I was going through my Facebook memories today and saw a post that caused me to reflect and chuckle.
I chuckled because of the word "pasture". It's a nickname given to me by a special friend. It's his way of relating to me as a clergy person and truthfully, "pasture" fits quite well for me. There has been tons of manure in my life over the years. Manure helps things grow. As the saying goes, manure happens. Well, that's not quite how the saying goes, but you get what I mean. Maybe.
So, seeing the word "pasture" come up brought a smile to my face and a chuckle. I am no longer this person's pastor, but I am still this person's friend. We worship together at an outdoor worship gathering monthly and keep in touch.
This person writes extremely well and is also an artist. He draws, paints, and is a photographer. I am privileged to have one of his paintings I bought a few years back. It reminds me of a special time and place in ministry.
His words here are good for reflection. I am not 100% sure, but they are likely his reflections on a sermon. He often drew and wrote after sermons. I use the past tense because he hasn't drawn in a while. He still takes pictures and writes reflections from time to time.
I am grateful for Thorny Gates.
Here are his words from June 7, 2020.
Parable of the lost sheep.
When one lamb was in trouble, the shepherd left the 99 to find the sheep.
Do you think the 99 left behind were shouting
baa baa ALL SHEEP MATTER? Of course not!
It wasn’t because the other 99 sheep didn’t matter,
it was because the one was in trouble.
Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd?
are we not suppose to follow His example?
It is well past time we stand up for the ones
who are being hurt.
Pasture me,
Pastor me,
Shepherd me
so i can shepherd others.
Signed,
"Pasture" Deb
