Sunday, March 14, 2010

A Shepherd

Years before I was born, my parents raised and cared for sheep. Daddy had a route through Oklahoma and Texas that he would travel to sheer sheep for other people. He entered contests in fairs for sheep sheering. That was in the 1940's.
I've thought alot about how much work it took to care for all of the sheep. During the cold cold winter of 1939, my parents and oldest brother lived in a tent out on the sheep range to be there as the ewes began to birth the lambs. I've heard there were about 600 sheep and they could not afford for any of them to be lost.
Daddy fixed the tent with a stove. That is how mother could cook and they could stay warm and cozy.
Shepherding is filled with responsibility and constant attention to the needs of the sheep.
A shepherd keeps the sheep in the best pasture. If the sheep wander into harms way, the shepherd herds them back to safety. They keep the sheep with a constant supply of food and water. At night the sheep are herded back to the barn or arena to be protected from predators.
I know my parents and I know how hard and diligently they worked in every area of their lives. Though I wasn't born when they were raising and caring for sheep, I know they spared no effort in making sure the sheep were well cared for and had everything they needed.
I also know...as long as...
The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need.
Old Testament Psalm chapter 23 verse 1
Have a restful day.
Rachel

13 comments:

Rita said...

What a beautiful thought. He is our shepherd!

Shirley said...

What a wonderful story! My husband always said when he'd get so frustrated at work (he was a Capt. in the police force), he'd say he wanted to quit and become a shepherd. I'm sure he never realized the huge responsibility there! But he loved animals so he would've probably been happier!
God is our Wonderful Shepherd.

Salmagundi said...

My family was also in the sheep raising business for years; and I have a fond attachment to anything old with sheep - especially verses in the bible referring to Our Shepherd. Have a great week. Sally

Esther said...

What a comforting thought! Thank you for reminding us!

Love you,
Esther

Mama said...

Not sure if I've visited before, but I found your blog and absolutely love this story! Your father was a true shepherd . . . in every way, it seems!

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy hearing tales of yesteryear! I could sit and listen to someone tell about their stories of their life as they grew up! thank you for fulfilling a little bit of my time this AM!! Sheering sheep! I remember my family talking about it as well! and the
Lord is My Shepherd!
Pink Hugs,
Dee

Ronda said...

Love that you shared this beautiful story with us! So glad that He is my shepherd! :) Hope that you are having a great day...

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

WOW! What an interesting story and what wonderful, hard-working parents you have! I love the lesson in your words, truly the Lord is my Shepherd and for that we are so thankful!
*Ü*
Joni

Anonymous said...

Rachel, I read the book "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23" last fall. It was an amazing look at what shepherds must do and what our Shepherd does for us. It opened my eyes so I now read Psalm 23 in ways I never had before. Loved your post -- Just beautiful! And a reminder that I want to pull that book out again soon.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...
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Hery said...

good, i like it