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Friday, March 9, 2012

Brokenness, and the Great Shepherd

This past week was a rather Hellish one for me, as it happens.  I work for a school district in a very low socioeconomic area.  Our kids, in general, have little parenting. They are street smart.  Most of them have seen things that I have not, ...even the little ones.  My heart breaks regularly.

Driving home on the last workday of a week that drained me of everything I had to give, I experienced what I always do, as I reach the outskirts of our small rural town,... relief...and the first wisps of peace.  And then, I saw it.  The sheep are back.

They generally reach our town sometime in Lent, guided by their shepherd on a journey that spans a great deal of this part of California.  Their farmer is paid to clear fields, but they do the clearing.  It fills their bellies, so I don't think they mind.  I am blessed by their return to our leg of their journey, each year, because I am reminded, by their presence, that Lent leads to Easter.  They herald the return of Spring ... and resurrection.

I could not see the shepherd this time, but I knew he was there.  He is always there, like his father and grandfather were before him, watching over his flock.  The shepherds come up to California, from Mexico, on work visas, for this journey. They are valuable to the farmer, because they know their job.  They know sheep; they were born into them.

I pulled over today, to the side of the road, and watched the flock, along with the shepherd.  I knew that, even though I could not see him, he was watching me. He is attentive to his charges and mindful of any dangers they might face.  They follow his direction; he keeps them safe.

As I watched, I was touched by the simplicity of their existence.  They are safe and at peace because they do what they are told.    While I appreciate the priceless gift of freedom, and the advantages of being human, with its attendant autonomy and self-determination, I acknowledge that we, too, have a Shepherd.  He has given us direction, boundaries, and guidelines in his Word...and we, if we will only follow them, can have peace and safety.

I know that some people see religious "rules" as being undesirable and restrictive.  I see them as a gift. They are not meant to limit us, they are meant to protect us and free us up to live.

I see the results of people's choices not to follow these guidelines every day, in broken homes and broken children.  I know that if we will appreciate the gift of the Word of God, and follow it, we will be blessed with true freedom.

Pax Christi, Peace of Christ,
~Michelle

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10 comments:

  1. you said "I know that some people see religious "rules" as being undesirable and restrictive. I see them as a gift. They are not meant to limit us, they are meant to protect us and free us up to live. " So very true. Beautiful words you have written.

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  2. Hi Michelle - lovely post. Sometimes, when I feel drained by the week past I look at the beautiful majestic mountains that surround me and I can't help but know that such a great God made them and if He can do that then He can handle any of my turmoils. It calms me and reminds me God is in control. Praying right now for the children you teach and for you for strength for each day. Thanks for linking up on Winsome Wednesday. I look forward to seeing you there again next week.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  3. What a beautiful post, and how wonderful that you came upon the flock of sheep just when you needed that sign from God the most. He was surely smiling down on you that day!

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  4. I love those pictures. Those little sheep evoke such a tenderness. So grateful for our good shepherd.

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  5. I love the pictures of the sheep. We do need rules and boundaries, otherwise we wander and get hurt. Our Good Shepherd knows what is best for us. Thanks for this beautiful reminder.

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  6. Michelle--we lived in the San Joaquin valley for the first 18 years of our marriage, so I can 'see' this...what a beautiful post.
    I, too, work with challenged children (teacher in Special Ed). Shining for the Lord, loving, giving. It's all possible because of him.
    God bless you.

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  7. So grateful for His guidance and love and the boundaries He provides. And what great photos!

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  8. "I know that some people see religious "rules" as being undesirable and restrictive. I see them as a gift. They are not meant to limit us, they are meant to protect us and free us up to live. "

    I love that. I hate it when people look down their noses at Catholicism because it dares to have clear rules for it's followers.

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  9. Hi Michelle - as i was reading I was remembering your post from last time. It still is a great reminder to remember who our shepherd is
    God bless
    Tracy

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  10. Very well worded! Such a gift that He chose to give you living breathing sheep led by a shepherd to remind you of these truths! Beautiful!

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Pax Christi!
~Michelle