Time leaves its mark on everything, whether it’s a classic car, a historic home, or a priceless painting. Wind, water, heat, and decay wear down even our most treasured possessions. Restoration requires more than tools and techniques. It demands patience, precision, and a vision of what could be again. A restorer might sift through online marketplaces and forgotten salvage yards to find an OEM door handle or hood ornament. For some, reviving a relic of the past becomes their life’s work. As objects suffer wear and need careful restoration, so do our souls. Psalm 23 paints a picture of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. “He restores my soul.” Why would our souls need restoration? Sin fractured the peace that once accompanied creation. Since the fall in Eden, humanity inherited restless hearts, unfulfilled hopes, and a desire to be made whole. As sheep, we are prone to wander. Temptation obscures our path. Sin can easily ensnare and further separate us from God. Yet, our Shepherd does not abandon his sheep. He paid the ultimate price to protect his flock. From the earliest pages of the Old Testament, the Lord taught His people to look for a sacrificial substitute. Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, gave his life to remove the world’s sin and restore what sin had broken. A shepherd who rescues his sheep doesn’t leave them to wander. He leads them away from danger and towards verdant pastures. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” God gives us his grace generously. Through Jesus words and promises, he leads us. Along the way, He feeds us through the holy supper. Forgiveness, strength, and new life flow from the table he prepares. When the valley of the shadow of death looms, our baptism anchors us in the assurance that we are eternally his. Pathways are formed by repeated use. Over a lifetime, pathways of righteousness become the hallmark of a believer. At Our Redeemer, we walk these paths of righteousness together. In classrooms, chapel services, hallways, and the playground, spiritual restoration overflows into our daily lives. Through acts of forgiveness, words of grace, and quiet moments of prayer, the Shepherd encourages his flock. We are fully known by our Shepherd, faults and all, and fully loved. In the care of our Good Shepherd, we teach, learn, forgive, and grow. Psalm 23 describes the beautiful relationship between God and his people. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). Until we dwell in the house of the Lord, may God direct our steps according to his will. All this day thy hand has led me, and I thank thee for thy care; thou hast clothed me, warmed and fed me, listen to my evening prayer. When I’m troubled and afraid I will trust in thee and pray. Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me, bless thy little lamb tonight, bless thy little lamb tonight. (Christian Worship 793:2) -Principal Peck