Psalm 23: 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul.

This isn’t the appointed reading for today, but it’s what I’m thinking about. My stepdad Buell has been sick for years now, slowly growing weaker. Today he’s to the point where he can no longer eat or drink and he doesn’t want a feeding tube and such – so it’s just a matter of days now. Maybe a week. Hard to say.

And as is the case for many with protracted illness, death will come as a friend. He’s tired. It’s time.

And in my mind’s eye I see the Lord Jesus, the good shepherd, waiting to take his hand and welcome him to his eternal home. His body which has been deteriorating for years, and his soul which has grown weary, will be restored. But not yet. Just a little longer…

Lord Jesus, let it be so. Amen.