This week’s FMF writing prompt is: LIMIT
Setting the timer for 5 minutes…and…GO!
I’m attending the Festival of Faith and Writing this week in Grand Rapids Michigan. Thankful for the time away from regular life to focus on writing. There’s nothing like visiting cozy coffee shops in the middle of a work day. A carrot cake scone and a rose latte along with the sounds of people living their ordinary lives creates a synergy, and as a result, I am back at Five Minute Friday after a long absence.
Yesterday I went to a session led by the knowledgable Leslie Leyland Fields about finding our voice within the Psalms. Nothing could be more classic than Psalm 23. As the shepherd guards his flock, it’s important to note the limits he places upon the sheep for their own protection.
Psalm 23:4- I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff- they comfort me.
Picturing a rod and a staff often conjures images of punitive weapons that shepherds may use to protect the sheep from predators. In fact, they do use the rod, as David did, to eliminate threats against the herd. But the staff is more often used to guide the sheep and keep them close to the shepherd. A longer, thinner tool, often with a hook at one end, the shepherd could also use the staff around the neck of the wayward or strong-willed sheep to immediately bring her back to safety.
To the sheep, the path forward may be unclear but the Shepherd always knows where they are going and the limits the sheep will need to get safely to the destination.
The comfort in the rod and the staff is knowing that our Shepherd will always be near to reign us back into his presence and guide us home.
Psalm 23:3- He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (CSB)