Lenten Writing Project Reboot 2020! Writers' Reflections in the Wilderness of Lent
Monday, March 2, 2015
Shepherds and Sheep
Write a version of the parable of the Good Shepherd that would be relevant to today. Who are our shepherds and sheep today that people might identify with and understand?
I grew up in a quiet town miles outside Chicago. My family went to a large Lutheran Church and i had many wonderful and formative experiences in those many years.
After college I worked for an accounting firm for four years in Seattle and was beginning my own life when God called me to ministry.
When I began at the seminary, the congregation from my youth began to send checks to the school to pay for my tuition. They never sent me a letter telling me this was their plan. They didn't ask about my theology or my intentions or about who I had become in Seattle they just sent checks to the school on my behalf.
They were the shepherds who gave their hard earned money that I might follow my call. It was a wonderful and needed gift that I didn't earn and never even asked for. That was love.
Congregations can be those shepherds who love in powerful ways, that are quiet and profound.
That one student who always sits in the back. We all know him. Maybe one of us is him. Or her. He is all spitballs and inappropriate jokes. He never does the work. We call him lazy. Or even stupid. And, please, oh please, do not put us in a group project with him.
How often does the teacher ask him to stay after class? We know what's coming. A lecture. A list of consequences. Disappointment. Well, we think we know.
What does she say to him? Keep reading. Ask questions. I'm here when you need help. I know you can do it. You have a lot of potential. Keep trying. I've seen some your work. I know it's hard. You can do it. Keep at it. You have good insight. Write more. Don't give up. I'm not giving up on you.
Parents tend their little flocks, Tuck in the covers, wind the clocks, Calm the fears, restore order, Give growing up, love’s gracious border.
Grandparents engage two sets of kids, Listen patiently when life’s on the skids, Bring mortality into a closer view, Faith, hope, charity, joyful living by being true;
Single parents find the mix a challenge. Being dad and mom ‘tis quite the mélange. Stretching through each day, finding love’s joy, Each precious child gets hope to employ.
Parish pastors bring the very touch of God. Throughout the week, use more hugs than the rod. Walk among the community with Holy One’s grace, Seek out Spirit’s kids, meet them face to face.
Transit drivers make their regular route, Greet any and all as the door opens out. Wait a bit for the tardy passenger’s feet, “Well good day to you.” ‘tis a standard greet.
Corner store owners maintain a place for all, Though margin’s be tight, they’re a mini-mall, Neighbor folk know a good deal can be had, A friendly hand, caring smile, a person to bring your sad;
Postal clerks all day long bring their caring service. Behind counter, on their route, mostly calm seldom nervous, A carrier of communications with the personal touch, These gracious servants we value very much.
Look about my friend, who’re your sheep? Will you seek out the lost, the lonely, before you sleep? Note your Shepherd who tends you, who always is there. Bring your needs, your fears, your doubts, always share.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div. 12 March 2015
I grew up in a quiet town miles outside Chicago. My family went to a large Lutheran Church and i had many wonderful and formative experiences in those many years.
ReplyDeleteAfter college I worked for an accounting firm for four years in Seattle and was beginning my own life when God called me to ministry.
When I began at the seminary, the congregation from my youth began to send checks to the school to pay for my tuition. They never sent me a letter telling me this was their plan. They didn't ask about my theology or my intentions or about who I had become in Seattle they just sent checks to the school on my behalf.
They were the shepherds who gave their hard earned money that I might follow my call. It was a wonderful and needed gift that I didn't earn and never even asked for. That was love.
Congregations can be those shepherds who love in powerful ways, that are quiet and profound.
Sweet story with a powerful reminder.
DeleteGrace in action.
DeleteThat one student who always sits in the back. We all know him. Maybe one of us is him. Or her. He is all spitballs and inappropriate jokes. He never does the work. We call him lazy. Or even stupid. And, please, oh please, do not put us in a group project with him.
ReplyDeleteHow often does the teacher ask him to stay after class? We know what's coming. A lecture. A list of consequences. Disappointment. Well, we think we know.
What does she say to him? Keep reading. Ask questions. I'm here when you need help. I know you can do it. You have a lot of potential. Keep trying. I've seen some your work. I know it's hard. You can do it. Keep at it. You have good insight. Write more. Don't give up. I'm not giving up on you.
I am not giving up on you.
Thank you for this. Really appreciate the new image.
DeleteTrue teachers teach each student.
DeleteLent 2, Monday
ReplyDeleteShepherds, Sheep
Parents tend their little flocks,
Tuck in the covers, wind the clocks,
Calm the fears, restore order,
Give growing up, love’s gracious border.
Grandparents engage two sets of kids,
Listen patiently when life’s on the skids,
Bring mortality into a closer view,
Faith, hope, charity, joyful living by being true;
Single parents find the mix a challenge.
Being dad and mom ‘tis quite the mélange.
Stretching through each day, finding love’s joy,
Each precious child gets hope to employ.
Parish pastors bring the very touch of God.
Throughout the week, use more hugs than the rod.
Walk among the community with Holy One’s grace,
Seek out Spirit’s kids, meet them face to face.
Transit drivers make their regular route,
Greet any and all as the door opens out.
Wait a bit for the tardy passenger’s feet,
“Well good day to you.” ‘tis a standard greet.
Corner store owners maintain a place for all,
Though margin’s be tight, they’re a mini-mall,
Neighbor folk know a good deal can be had,
A friendly hand, caring smile, a person to bring your sad;
Postal clerks all day long bring their caring service.
Behind counter, on their route, mostly calm seldom nervous,
A carrier of communications with the personal touch,
These gracious servants we value very much.
Look about my friend, who’re your sheep?
Will you seek out the lost, the lonely, before you sleep?
Note your Shepherd who tends you, who always is there.
Bring your needs, your fears, your doubts, always share.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
12 March 2015