The 23rd Psalm

For over a decade I have used the 23rd Psalm for the last morning prayer to start each day. My son, an agnostic, once said Christians are like a flock of sheep, mindlessly following each other. I told him I agree, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
I’ve read the next few words in different versions of the Bible where ‘need’ is inserted instead of ‘want.’ “I shall not want,” seems a bigger concept. To be free of commercially propagated needs is a blessing for me.
Usually I pray in bed so “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,” rings true. The carpet is dark green and growing up on one farm; I found the back pasture a peaceful hideout.
“He leadeth me beside the still waters,” imparts an image of storm-less seas, placid and unruffled, as I hope my day is.
“He restoreth my soul” gives me a tangible response of not only peace but the courage of a strengthened heart.
“He leadeth me in paths of righteousness” allows me to trust that I’m on the right path “for his name’s sake.”
“Yes though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.” Medical issues don’t always bring out the best in me or my relatives, who contribute their worrying ideas in unfriendly ways to each other. Trusting the Lord and asking for healing prayers for strength and harmony from my believing friends sees me through a few rough spots.
“For thou art with me,” I feel the Lord’s presence when I look his way.
“Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” I ponder this verse the most wondering if I’m struck by the Lord to get my attention (falling down the carpeted basement steps ten days after surgery, gaining a rug burn and crying like a baby, then realizing I’d been carrying a heavy load of resentment against my son for a necessarily cancelled visit.”
Of course when walking a bit weakened by age I hold on metaphorically to his staff.
“Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies,” confuses me further since my husband (a mensch of a man) and my son are both unbelievers. Is the enemy of disbelief the one I set table for?
“He anoints my head with oil, my cup runneth over.” I do feel chosen, gifted with faith and provided with all I need.
“Surely good ness and mercy will follow mw all the days of my life.” I heard a rabbi say at a funeral that ‘follow me’ might imply that goodness and mercy never quite catches up to us in life.
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and ever. Amen.” Does that mean only after death or should I strive to make my life a reflection of the Lord’s glory here on earth. This fall’s colors certainly proclaim His colorful glory on our earth.