When she expressed her concern to her neighbor, Shirley offered to follow him to school in the mornings for a while, staying at a distance so he wouldn't notice. Shirley said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise.
All week long, Shirley and her daughter followed Timmy as he walked to school with another neighborhood girl.
As the two children walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's friend said, 'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'
Timmy replied, 'Yes, I know who she is. That's my mom's friend Shirley Goodnest and her little girl Marcy'.
'Shirley Goodnest? Why is she following us?'
'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life'. I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'
Have you noticed anyone following you lately? Are there some people in your life that check up on you now and then to see how you are doing? Some people that pray for you and find ways to reach out and help you when you need an extra hand? I hope you have these kind of people in your circle of friends. We all need them. Just like we all ultimately need God's "goodness" and "mercy" in our lives! His goodness and mercy are there for each of us. Take a moment and think of the times "Shirley Goodnest and Marcy" have been there for you - following close behind you - just when you needed them! Take time to be "thankful" for a God that never leaves you alone but is always right there walking by your side waiting to show you His abundant goodness and mercy.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; and give you peace that passeth all understanding.
And . . . may Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always.
(Psalm 23)
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