It was a grey, cold, wet, fine mist that was falling at dusk…over the hills on Maple Grove Farm…Much needed rain…Thank you Lord!
Drover and I with my Shepherd’s staff made our way down behind the dam to gather the sheep up for the night. I could hear the tinkling of the bells ever so softly in the distance. The grass was wet and the sheep were quite happy with their lot in life.
I thought about those Shepherd’s of long ago, on a cold hillside near Bethlehem. Of the Good News and Glad Tidings of Great Joy which shall be to all men! That God gave to them!
I paused and drank in the sweet smell of the evening, of rain, and sheep, and dog, and life….
Then my sheep saw me…(they “Know me”) and they started my way, and for a moment they were not sure it was me I had a hood on, then I spoke to them…I could see the concern leave the flock….And happy it was me they all most collectively sighed…Knowing I would lead them to their safe place for the night.
Drover stayed in his down stay till I released him and then quietly we walked me the Shepherdess in front of the flock and my good Shepherd dog behind the flock along the old trees along the edge of the field we traveled to the sheep pens…I opened the gate and the little flock walked in and on to their hay piles. Drover and I latched the gates and walked back up to the house.
Each with their own thoughts.
Mine were on Christmas’s Past and Loved ones gone on…My Ghosts were visiting and Welcome at this moment!
Drover just happy to be alive and with me in this “moment”!
And yes that is as it should be!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!
