A Shepherd's Perspective: Esther and Myrtle

       

I've been thinking a lot about Esther and Myrtle lately.  I've had Myrtle up to wean her away from her momma and have been spending a lot of time with her to try to win her confidence and get her to become my buddy.  It's slow going, but we are, little by little, becoming friends.  It's taking a lot of patience on my part, but it will be worth it in the end. 

Many of you will recall Esther's story.  When she was just about 7 weeks old she experienced a serious injury resulting in her lower palatal area being broke completly through her jaw, including the area of two of her front teeth.  Many suggested I just put her down.  I contacted the Vet and soon realized that the expense in taking her to the doctor would way more than out weigh her value and would really hurt my struggling little wool business financially.  I was left with only one option- treat her myself, the best I could.

After weeks of keeping her up in a small inclosed area, bottle feeding her, giving her antibiotics, and eventually removing an area of gum and loose teeth, she fully recovered.  During that time there has definitely  been a unique bond that has developed between the two of us.  When she was little she would come in the house and watch a movie with me or set with me while I read during the afternoon.  To this day, she enjoys escaping from the other sheep and going with her "momma" to go do the chores of a morning, and if we head back to the house and the door happens to open, she is sure she needs to go in with me.      

When I think of both girls I can't help but be amused.  Myrtle and Esther, of course mean the same thing, and except for their name and the fact that they are both sheep (even if they don't know it) that is about all they have in common.  Myrtle is hands down the CUTEST little thing I have among the sheeples.  She is a full blooded registered Finn sheep, and piebald at that, which means she is spotted.  This is a more unusual and often sought after color combination among Finn.  Her fleece is gorgeously soft and attractive.  She comes from a ewe that is really easy to handle, has good linage, and will difinately be a part of my breeding program in the future among my Finns.

Esther on the other hand is honestly just a mut among the sheep of this world.  She is a Finn/Poly Pay cross.  While she does have an extremely nice fleece, it is your non-standoutish "white".  She not only has no pedigree, her mother is Ethel, the crazy lady nut job that only has managed to maintain a spot in my small flock due to the fact that she lambs twins each year and has an extraordinarily soft fleece. Poor little Esther is by no means a beautiful little thing on any level, but I love her.

Esther and Myrtle remind me of many people in this world.  Most of us can more closely relate to Esther I'm sure.  We come with no pedigree, outstanding looks, nor great family background.  Frequently we find ourselves in a situation where the world would look at us and say we are not of enough value to invest too much time or money in, in order to save us.  Granted there are a few people in this world who are like Myrtyle.  You know, the ones who are born with it all; looks, money, family connections, ect-. 

As a shepherdress I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work with both of these little gals.  Once again I see my Shepherd from a little bit of a different perspective.  I have had the opportunity to experience caring for two little sheep, much the same way He cares for us.  Whether we are little injured "no bodies" or fine looking peidgreed "cuties"  He is there just the same.  They both have much to over come and only by spending time with their shepherd, no matter what the situation, have they come to the place in their life where they trust me, will follow me, and realize I will take care of them.

Wether you closely relate to Esther or Myrtle, take time to allow the Great Shepherd into your life.  The more time you spend with Him, the more He will be at work in you.  It takes time but He is always willing.