Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Pastor (11/30/06)
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TITLE: Feed My Sheep | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leona Mingo
12/06/06 -
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The shepherd cast a wary eye toward the horizon. He sensed that a storm was brewing but as the sky was relatively placid, he was going by the instinct that had served him well all his years as shepherd of this little flock. The sheep were sensing a change in the air as well and cast searching glances toward the shepherd.
The shepherd knew the sheep so well. He treated them as his own even though they were owned by another. He knew that he would be held accountable for their well-being but that was not the sole motivation for his watchcare. His love and concern for the sheep made him ever watchful and attentive to the flock's condition.
As a shepherd he knew what it was to spend time alone and it could be a lonely job, but the sheep needed him so his heart's energy went into the task. Such was the diligence of the shepherd.
As there was much to harm the sheep he directed them to the safe paths and led them along, always aware that a sheep could and probably would stray from time to time. His energies would then be exerted toward bringing that wandering sheep back to the fold. He knew that his walk would become the walk of the sheep and his path must be the carefully chosen one. Where he led, the sheep were prone to follow.
Good nourishing green pastures were sought out by the shepherd so that the sheep could graze, be filled and satisfied. He pointed them toward the best sustenance and hoped that they would partake instead of settling for the dried and withered grasses strewn by the wayside. Many times the flock had been refreshed when he guided them to the cool, still waters on the owner's land. To see them drink deeply of these life-giving waters was his joy and fulfillment.
Although often slow to heed the warnings alerting them of an advancing enemy, the sheep listened when he sounded the alarm of impending danger. It was his duty to keep his eyes open for such intrusions. The enemy could be as wily and subtle as a poisonous snake slithering through the flock unnoticed by the pre-occupied sheep. His were the eyes trained and equipped to catch that first rustle of grasses that indicated the approach of such an intruder. He alerted the sheep and they moved away at his bidding, perhaps never knowing from what they had been saved. Such was the shepherd's watchcare.
When the suspected storm broke with its raging winds and biting rains, the shepherd led the sheep into the shelter provided for them by the owner. Here they abided, secure, protected and at peace. The shepherd also could rest and rejuvenate, preparing for the work which was his life's calling. His reward awaited him the day he and the sheep together would stand in the presence of the owner. He hoped that the owner would declare, "Well done, good and faithful servant".
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