Week 3

The pace of life slows down on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which is located on the northeast coast of England, approximately 10 miles south of Scotland. Many Celts believe the Holy Island is a “thin place,” where the space between heaven and earth tangibly feels more sacred. In today’s post, I describe a personal “thin place” moment in Lindisfarne and how it relates to my exploration of Psalm 23 …

Lying down in green pastures, beside still waters

During the week my husband and I spent on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne participating in a Celtic pilgrimage, I did a lot of contemplative strolling.

On our second day there, the stroll led me up a short side road. I was in no hurry as I prayerfully considered what I wanted to bring to my spiritual direction session scheduled with a man named Ian later that afternoon.

The scene above is what I came upon, and my thoughts turned immediately to the first two verses of the ancient poem written by David.

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.

Psalm 23:1-2 (KJV)

Standing by that fence for several minutes, I pondered all the powerful personal ways the Lord has for many years met and taught me spiritual truths through the words of this short psalm. The pondering led to an awareness that I didn’t need to decide on what topic to bring to my spiritual direction session but rather trust the Good Shepherd to direct the time. This was a novel notion for a woman who likes some control of outcomes!

A few hours later, I sat across the room from Ian. “Before we begin,” he said, “I’d like to read a familiar passage from Scripture,” and he began reading the words of Psalm 23 from a version in the New Living Translation, which I happen to like a lot:

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

I love this photo with Ron’s shadow!

When Ian finished, I told him about my earlier experience that day with the sheep. I explained how important Psalm 23 has been to me at different times throughout my journey and said I’d like to unpack some of those experiences with him. Spiritual direction sessions, I have learned, are good times to discover valuable clarifying connections.

An hour later, I strolled back to the guest house where I was living for the week in community with my husband and three pilgrim friends, Jeannie, Christine, and Peter.

My emotions and spirit were filled with shalom (Shalom = Hebrew word [שָׁלוֹם] denoting harmony, interior peace, completeness, prosperity, and welfare)

My mind was renewed with trust that The Good Shepherd knows exactly what I need and will fulfill and align in the right time and by the right method my every want.

Dinner was almost ready when I arrived. After we had eaten and cleaned up, our little community participated in the prescribed Evening Prayers. Ron and I took a walk, admiring stars twinkling in the inky nighttime sky.

When my head rested on the pillow that night, I knew without a doubt that the Good Shepherd had indeed “restoreth” my soul.

I believe these are Scottish blackface sheep, which originated in England.

Discovering Shalom in an Ancient Poem

Week 3

Thursday Thoughts