A Contrast of Psalm 23

Two consecutive days, two separate events, at nearly identical times both evenings, Psalm 23 juxtaposed between them.

Thursday evening. One hundred or more family, relatives and friends gathered in the Auditorium. The atmosphere energetic, with multiple distractions. Some 50-70 children, ages 3-5 searching for those they know in the audience, waving to them exuberantly, singing, wiggling and doing all of the hand motions. Lots of color, each child in a colored t-shirt, bright red, green and purple. The Kindergarten students, reciting from memory, Psalm 23. The culmination of their year of schooling the commencement of their entry into first grade.

Friday evening. One hundred or more family, relatives and friends gathered in the Auditorium. The atmosphere subdued, reminiscent, focused. Largely comprised of adults, all but a handful on the stage. Those in the audience discreetly searching for those they know in the audience; there were many. Muted colors. One of the family reading Psalm 23. The culmination of a life remembered the commencement of her entry into heaven.

Psalm 23, the common thread.