Word Count: 1192

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Psalm 23 for Kids

by Louise Lee  
5/23/2009 / Short Stories

"Mommy, I want to hear a story before I sleep," David told his Mom.
David's mom took a book from the shelf. "All right, let me read you a story about a sheep and its shepherd, David "
"David? That's my name! I want to hear a shepherd called David. " David clapped his hand. He was excited about the story.

"One day, David, a shepherd was out at the field with his sheep," Mommy began. " Shepherds are people who watch over sheep. His job was to take care of them and keep them safe."
"It's like you and Daddy are to me. You take care of me and make sure I am safe," David said as he snuggled in bed.

"To make sure all the sheep were with him," Mommy continued, "he started to count: one, two, three, twenty three." David's eyes became heavy. Soon he fell asleep.

Suddenly, David saw a bright light. He opened his eyes.
"What place is this? Where am I?" David looked and saw grass all around him. On the grass was a flock of sheep.
The sheep were grazing in the field. They seemed to enjoy themselves very much. They were busy nibbling and chewing, nibbling and chewing.
Meanwhile he heard "Ninety nine and one hundred," The man in front was counting.

Before David figured out what happened, one sheep came very near to him.
"Hey, what's your name? My name is Matt," the sheep said to David.
"You're a sheep and you are talking to me?" David was stunned and puzzled.
"What are you talking about? Look at yourself! You are a sheep, too." Matt the sheep frowned as he asked David, "I'm asking your name. Do you want to be my friend?"
"Me, a sheep? " David paused for a while. He couldn't believe what he heard, " my...my...name is David. " He tried to keep his cool when he answered Matt.
"David? That's my shepherd's name. He is your shepherd, too," Matt the sheep said proudly, "Look! That's him!" Matt tilted his head and pointed at the man in front of the flock.
"I see! shepherd he is someone who watches over us." David said.
"Yes! That's right! I'm very proud of him. I'm very close to him, too." Matt lifted his head until the fleece at the neck formed into a lump.

"Why?" David was curious.
"Because I have everything I need." Matt smiled sweetly.
"Like what?" David wanted to know more about sheep.
"As you know, a sheep like us need food, water, rest, and protection," Matt said with a grin, "My shepherd takes care of all these. I do not have to worry about a thing."

"Can you hear that?" Matt the sheep said. "He is calling us. It's time for grass and water."
"He is going to bring us to a green pasture and still waters," Matt continued, "A place where we can lie down and rest. Let's go!"

David started to move. He was a little uneasy because now he had four legs instead of two. As he struggled to follow, he lagged far behind the flock.
Not long after, David lost sight of the shepherd and the flock.
He was so afraid and so lonely. Behind him, he heard some noise. David wasn't sure what it was, he just ran as fast as he could. He didn't know where he was heading.
Now, David was completely lost and tired. He found a comfortable spot to rest. As David lay down, his body overturned. He found himself lying on his back.
"Help! Help!" David cried out but there was only silence.
David couldn't move. The more he struggled, the weaker he became. His feet were in the air. They started to feel numb.
"Help! Help!" David was too weak even to call for help.
The sky was getting dark. He thought he heard a lion roared. He could feel a lion was coming near him. "What am I going to do?" David thought to himself.

At that moment, out of the silence, came the shepherd's voice, "David! David! Where are you? "
David's fear was gone. The lion was no longer there. He is now safe because the shepherd had found him.

"Where were you? We've been looking for you!" The shepherd skillfully turned David over and rubbed his legs.
He picked David up and held him close to his chest. David was so close to the shepherd that he could feel his heartbeat and now he was safe.
David rested at the shepherd's arm until he saw Matt and the flock again.
Slowly, the shepherd let David down. David stumbled along until he could walk again.

Matt was there waiting to talk to David.
"David, you've gone far! Our shepherd counted the sheep and found that you were missing, " Matt said. "You know, there are many dangers out there. We need to stay together. Lions, bears and foxes may attack us! "
"Anyway, I'm glad you are back!" Matt said. "I told you! We have a good shepherd!" Matt said it proudly.

"Look at what our shepherd is holding! " Matt continued.
"That long, slender stick with a hook on one end? " David said.
"Yes! That is his staff. He used it to discipline us and protect us. He used that to drive off lions, bears and foxes. He often used the staff to check if there is anything hidden under my fleece." Matt said.

"Your shepherd is great. I want to be his sheep too." David said.
"What are you talking about? You already are his sheep. He has saved you some more. Are you really that forgetful?" Matt said. "I have written a poem to sing praises about my shepherd. Give me your opinion."
"Sure! Read to me!" David was excited to hear him.

"Look! He is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
He makes me lie down so I can graze at ease;
He leads me along quiet streams, so I can drink from it.
Ah! When I turn over, he always restores me.

Yes! Because his great name,
He guides me on the right path.
Even when I walk through dark valleys,
Oh! Even close to death, I will not be afraid.

Why? For you hold me close to your heart.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a tableland way ahead
Wow! Before my enemies could reach.

No! No nose flies could come near, because
You anoint my head with oil and Your blessings overflow.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will go with me all my life,
No! I will not ever leave his flock again."

Matt recited it out from his heart.

"Wow! It is a wonderful poem." tears rolled down David's cheek.

David began awaken.

"Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need David, you know, Jesus is our Shepherd " It was Mommy's voice.

"And I am his sheep," David said.

And now David saw himself in Jesus' arms. He could now truly sleep restfully.

Louise Lee
www.louiseleewrites.com
(My first illustrated book Psalm 23 for Kids is now available at amazon.com)
http://www.amazon.com/Psalm-23-Kids-Louise-Lee/dp/1482829975

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