The clock on my wall reads 3am. So what made me blog in the wee hours of the morning?
A bowl of noodles.
I was just starting on a bowl of noodles cooked for myself, listening to the song "When You Shepherd Me". As I took a bite of the noodles and stared at it, I was suddenly brought back to the time I was in Taiwan for my army exercise.
I was brought to remembrance this particular night on day 4 of the exercise. It was around 9 plus, I had just finished my shift, feeling exhausted and all. Before that, we had to cook noodles for the officers, settling their stomaches before ours. Mine was finally cooked. Taking the mug of noodles with me, I went out to the open field to have my dinner. With the hot steaming mug of noodles in my hand, as I stood out there in the open field, what got my attention was not my hunger pang.
Rather, the stillness and coolness of the night overtook me. The sound from the rest of the soldiers seemed to fade off for that moment, replaced by the symphony of crickets surrounding me. A beautiful star lit night casted over my head as I looked at the dark, peaceful surrounding. I looked down at the mug of noodles in my hand, realising what a luxury it was to have that in a cold outfield night. Tears welled up in my eyes. I realised that He's with me, right there in the open field in Taiwan. The noodles, the cool breeze blowing, the beautiful night sky...it was all given, from Him, in grace. The common and small things around me have become as blankets of comfort, surrounding and covering my whole being. Though my heart seemed lonely and longed for news from back home, He knows and is in control of everything. And He loves me. The noodles seemed extra tasteful to me =)
Is this a reminder from Him now? As I eat the noodles, am I tasting His goodness and providence through this manner? As I sit here, back safely from the Taiwan trip, does my well-being speak of His careful protection?
If so, let me rest once again, in the embrace of the One who shepherds me...
[When You Shepherd Me] - Brian Doerksen
When You shepherd me, I have everything that I need
When You make me rest, beside the peaceful stream
My soul is restored, my strength is renewed
When You shepherd me
When You shepherd me, Your rod and staff comfort me
As You guide my steps, I can trust Your lead
Even when I walk through the valley shadowed with death
I will not fear for You are with me
When You shepherd me, You prepare a bountiful feast
Even when my enemies are closing in on me
You annoint me with oil, my cup overflows
When You shepherd me
I am overwhelmed by love, over taken by Your mercy
Lord Your goodness without end
Will be the house in which I dwell
When You shepherd me
Lord You shepherd me