Beloved:
I know one pastor who calls her congregants pigeons instead of lambs. She says she prefers the strutty way pigeons carry themselves to the docility of sheep. I do love reading her blog, counting myself among them when she writes, “I’ve some news to share, my darling pigeons . . . .” Both are metaphorical flocks anyway. What matters is they’re precious; sheep to their shepherds, pigeons to their fanciers (yep, that’s what they are called), and people to their pastors.
Our little flock will say good-bye to one of our own this week. A sister whose long struggle finally turned to peace. Her pain to joy. I couldn’t be happier for her and I hope to miss her well. By enjoying dogs and flowers and the outdoors. By doing useful work. – She once reattached the headlight in my pickup truck with a paperclip. It lasted 3 years. – By doing for others and being generous with my time. By holding my tongue even when I feel strongly about something. By forgiving people who didn’t ask me to. By being brave. By laughing at other people’s jokes. By quietly adding beauty to the places to which I am invited. She once thanked me in a way that still brings me to tears whenever I remember it.
Her life was a great gift to mine. I hope to be worthy of it. And worthy of this vocation too. Shepherd, fancier or pastor ~ I am so humbled and so grateful to spend my life at so high and so precious a vocation.
I know one pastor who calls her congregants pigeons instead of lambs. She says she prefers the strutty way pigeons carry themselves to the docility of sheep. I do love reading her blog, counting myself among them when she writes, “I’ve some news to share, my darling pigeons . . . .” Both are metaphorical flocks anyway. What matters is they’re precious; sheep to their shepherds, pigeons to their fanciers (yep, that’s what they are called), and people to their pastors.
Our little flock will say good-bye to one of our own this week. A sister whose long struggle finally turned to peace. Her pain to joy. I couldn’t be happier for her and I hope to miss her well. By enjoying dogs and flowers and the outdoors. By doing useful work. – She once reattached the headlight in my pickup truck with a paperclip. It lasted 3 years. – By doing for others and being generous with my time. By holding my tongue even when I feel strongly about something. By forgiving people who didn’t ask me to. By being brave. By laughing at other people’s jokes. By quietly adding beauty to the places to which I am invited. She once thanked me in a way that still brings me to tears whenever I remember it.
Her life was a great gift to mine. I hope to be worthy of it. And worthy of this vocation too. Shepherd, fancier or pastor ~ I am so humbled and so grateful to spend my life at so high and so precious a vocation.
RSS Feed
