We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of what in essence is good spirited, buying gifts, cooking meals, baking all sorts of goodies, keeping up with other festive commitments and sometimes we get caught in a whirlwind of activity that we scant have a moment to sit and BE in the moment or to LIVE the season and all its wonder. So in the evening as we try to reign the girls in from their Christmas lists to Santa, we actually manage to reign ourselves in for a little while too. We sit and talk about the different events that led up to the birth of Christ, what our Christian traditions are and our family traditions and how together they help us to relive what that special moment must have been like more than 2,000 years ago. The girls are amazed and filled with a special wonder for a few moments before they drift off to sleep.
It is in those quiet moments when all is still that I can run my fingers through their fine hair and take an account of all the blessing in our lives. I am thankful for so much. My faith, my family and friends and our health. But this year amongst all those blessings that I have counted are our sheep our beautiful gentle Icelandic sheep. I am ever so thankful that the Lord has placed them in my care. They enrich our lives in countless ways and this being our first Christmas with them I will count them as EXTRA special Blessings!
There is something that moves me from within, the knowing that somehow in this life's journey I became a Shepherdess, just like those Shepherds thousands of years ago. Somehow I was given the privilege of being a steward of these special creatures. So, in the day to day I know I don't think of them this way as often as I should but...tonight I pause and reflect that they are part of ALL the many Christmas Blessings we have been bestowed this year and we are eternally grateful. Enjoy the pictures!!
May you all have a very blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year. For my non christian friends...enjoy your own faith traditions and may you too take a moment and enjoy your blessings.
Sandy
Shepherdess
Arna the regal elf
Eliza Jane
Four of our little blessings.
Well said. I also know that feeling of being blessed to be a sheppard. It has also helped me in my Bible studies. If one strays, you return it to the flock as mentioned in the Bible. The writers of the Bible refer to sheep, lamb, flock and sheppard many times...I can now understand the parables better.
ReplyDeleteHave a Merry Christmas...God Bless.
Those photos are great, Sandy, I laughed right out loud! Thanks for sharing your nice thoughts, I applaud your efforts to help your little ones see other aspects of Christmas besides the toys!! (although the toys are so fun!) Have a lovely holiday with your farm family.
ReplyDeleteLovely sentiments, Sandy. May you have a blessed Christmas...looking forward to sharing our experiences in the new year.
ReplyDeleteYour Icelandic sheep are adorable.
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