Under the Canopy

In a Companions in Christ class, we were asked to paraphrase Psalm 23 in our own words.  I was very tired and the idea of laying down in the grass (green pastures) was not appealing.  Here is what I wrote: I am NOT a sheep, yet the Lord gives me the help I am always needing.  The Lord makes me sleep on the cold hard ground without a pillow or covers. Yet I am safe and able to rest.  He makes me walk on my own two feet.  He shows me where the water is, but does not hand me the glass.  Yet my soul is restored. He leads, but I still have to expend energy to follow -- he doesn't carry me.  He makes me go through some pretty dark times.  He does not save me from trial.  Yet I am not alone.  Heck he even lets me use his walking stick.  He takes me in front of my enemies.  YES!  He allows me to have enemies AND allows them near me!  Then right in front of them, he lays out a banquet for me and allows me to eat in front o...