My Birthright

I am the oldest of my parent's two daugters. I was frequently reminded of that fact when my dad was alive. This is how he always introduced me: "This is Pat, my oldest daughter." I don't know what difference telling the birth order made to a perfect stranger...they could probably tell by looking at me that I was the oldest. Ha! I do know that in bygone eras birth order was very important because the oldest child, usually the oldest son, received the birthright, or inheritance, and that was a big deal.

My birthright comes, not from my earthly parents, but from my Heavenly Father. Every night at bedtime I read a Psalm that matches that day's date. In reading the one for last night, I suddenly realized that the Psalm for my birthday happens to be the 23rd Psalm. What a wonderful birthright I have, not due to my physical birthday, but due to my spiritual  birth as a daughter of the King.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

He lets me rest in green pastures.

He leads me to calm water.

He gives me new strength.

He leads me on paths that are right for the good of His name.

Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because You are with me.

Your rod and your shepherd's staff comfort me.

You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies.

You pour oil of blessing on my head, you fill my cup to overflowing.

Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.