The Sheperd

The Shepherd

I heard the Lord calling me and I didn't know which way to turn. Should I go down the left
Or right path- to righteousness or doubt?
Before I chose which path to take,
I saw a shepherd tending his sheep.
Sir? I asked, which way should I go?
The shepherd turned and stared at me with kind sad eyes and said,
My child, I cannot tell you
If you all ready do not know.

There before me were two roads.
And I chose the path of doubt
Because it seemed the best
Years later, I was still walking down that same path of doubt, only now I was alone-
My friends long gone and my life at its end-
There I fell down on the side of the road.
Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and I looked up with streaming eyes.
I knew the face above mine, from somewhere a long time ago, so long ago, I could barely recall.
You are the shepherd?
He didn't say yes or no, yet I all ready knew.
I know you,? I whispered.

Yes, he said, smiling.
I was there, my child, on the cross-
I was there and smiling when you were created and placed on earth. I was there and wept for you as you went down the path of doubt-
And now here I am, waiting for
You to chose me or someone else?

I stared at the shepherd, holding out his hand.
Then I saw his wounded hands.
And I knew
I fell at his feet and wept.

My Lord! I cried, ashamed with grief.
As my weeping subsided there he still stood, with arms outstretched.
Come to me, and you shall never know loneliness again.

I took the Lord's hand and went with him
Never alone again.