Precious Pigeons

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.