My Shepherd

The LORD Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I first learned this poem when I was six years old. I remember reciting this infront of a big crowd on the day of my kindergarten graduation. I was a picture of a confident little girl as I gracefully walk toward the stage when the host called my name for my declamation. My favorite teacher who wanted me to deliver the poem was standing at the area where I can easily see her. Her face was a portrait of pride for me as if she was telling, “Here is my lamb who I nurtured for a year. Now she is about to go on her own and I am ready to let her go.” Perhaps, that was really going on in her mind that made me feel truly sad because I know I will no longer see her.

Years have passed but I have not forgotten the poem she taught me. I may not have comprehended the meaning of the poem back then, but, my heart that memorized it for me completely understood it. My memories were vivid that every time I look back as if I am just watching a good show in television.

I was too young then to have thought the reason why she told me to recite that poem when I could have given a speech for my classmates and their parents. Decades after, I realized that she had given me the best gift a teacher can impart to her student, and that was the knowledge that God truly exists.

He is a living God, not just a character from the books I read. He is a God I can talk to and share my stories. He is a God I can laugh and cry with. He is a God I can easily call and can be with me at all times. He is a God who will never leave my side. He is a God who can shape me to become the person I am meant to be. He is a God who can break me to learn His ways. And, He is a God who loves me in all circumstances.

My favorite teacher has been long gone, but, I will forever remember her for helping me to grasp the knowledge of my life’s true shepherd.