Through the shepherd’s hands new life is welcomed to the farm. These same hands care for each sheep, feeding them, tending them when sick, guiding them to new pastures, and giving them security. The sheep learn the touch of their shepherd’s hands and the sound of their voice. They learn that when in their shepherd’s presence, they are safe, cared for, and protected. I have seen agitated sheep, completely relax and become peaceful when their shepherd calls and comes to them. The bond, shepherd to sheep, is one of complete trust.
Sometimes, through these same hands, the heart work of shepherding is carried out. In these times, a shepherd may be brought to their knees in moments of utter joy or forced to their knees in moments of total surrender and despair. I have experienced both on my farm and each time I am humbled and reminded of my own limitations and my own need for a shepherd.
the shepherd’s hands…
Last week, I took a young ewe into my arms whose time had come. The heart wrenching moment had come when I, her shepherd, had to make that hard decision. She calmed at my touch. Her trembling stopped as she heard my voice. She knew that I was her shepherd and she trusted me to care for her. The only problem was, my caring was not enough. Did she know what was to come? Did she understand that we had tried all that we knew to do to save her? I felt defeated and it was time. The hands that carried her as a young lamb…
…were the hands that would make the decision to end her life. I held her for a few moments telling her to be brave, promising that I would not forget and then … I let her go.
Patricia Howitt
This had me in tears. Yes indeed, I have been there – such a hard place. The hardest thing to know is that relationships with animals must come to an end (for the time being, anyway) – and invariably the loss is ours. Knowing this can at times make it hard to carry on
Bless you, Kim – my attitude to my sheep (and my goats before them) is exactly the same as yours.
Patricia
New Zealand
Kim Goodling
Sounds like we are kindred spirits. ❤
Andrea
Oh, Kim. Your words touch my heart so. I have not been there yet, and dread the moment. Lots of respect for you and all you do. Andrea
Kim Goodling
Shepherding is a precious job, through the good and the bad. Thank you Andrea.
Marion Davis
Oh Kim, I am in that place right now. I have a lamb that we are trying hard to hand-raise but it has been tough already (she was rejected & had pneumonia). At the moment we are living each day the best we can, giving her plenty of food, warmth and field time with the flock, but I dread the day when I go out to the pen and find her gone … or that she becomes sick (again) and I have to let her go. Your words have come at a time that has brought me around to the fact that we care, but are only caretakers … and so if necessary must let them go. Thank you for your words, they help.
Marion, Canterbury New Zealand.
Kim Goodling
Marion,
Lambs can be quite resilient. Hang in there and do let me know if she makes it.
Sandra Hall Bourrie
Oh, Kim. So truly, heartfully lived and shared. Weeping still, with sympathies for your ache, and with appreciation for your goodness. Wishing you comfort, knowing what a true and loving, loyal shepherd you are to your flock. (Both the wool flock, and all the rest.)
thecrazysheeplady
I was in the same spot last week. Your turning “hard work” into “heart work” helped…a little. {{{hug}}}
Kim Goodling
❤