The 40 Days by F.B. Timmerman

Author:F.B. Timmerman [Timmerman, F.B.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cardamom Publishers
Published: 2014-07-31T00:00:00+00:00

Day 20 – Rules

Jesus surprised me today. Rather, I was unaware of his presence.

I was busy explaining to Daniel that I wanted him to inspect the fields, look after the sheep and check for insects on their face and bodies, and do a few other things— including keeping himself clean. I was trying to be patient but at the same time getting a little exasperated with the process.

I have been through this many times before. I reminded myself that Daniel is different, he is not like me. He needs repeated instructions to carry out the tasks that I require, which are not meaningless; they have a purpose. They protect the sheep and him from harm and illness. Today I found him not wearing his shepherd’s scrip, his small leather bag for carrying important items including his sling and some stones. A few days ago I had him look for some nice smooth stones in the stream that skirts this grazing field. I had stressed that if some wild animal threatened the sheep, he would need the stones.

All these details seem small, but the business of shepherding is more enjoyable and fulfilling when the proper methods are followed. It will also be more successful: the herd survives, and in the end, more wool is sheared to bring to the market.

Yes, I have told him all this before—many times before, and I also realize that everything I tell him today will have to be repeated on another day. Will this cycle never end? Can’t he just comprehend what is for his good, and also mine and the sheep’s own well-being? I should realize that the harder I try to instruct him, the more my patience decreases, and then he withdraws and absorbs even less.

This is when Jesus made his presence known to me. He walked up to me from behind. I should have heard his sandals as he stepped on the sticks and gravel, but I was so involved in my thoughts that I jumped when he placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Can’t comprehend what is good.” Jesus asked—or was he stating? Was he observing the difficulty I was having or was he reading my thoughts?

“If I’ve told him once I’ve told him a thousand times…” I began, but I didn’t finish my sentence. Jesus was nodding in agreement, but he wasn’t looking at Daniel. He was looking at me.

“I meant…I was talking…about Daniel.”

Jesus paused and then said: “Yes, him too.”

Him too? Him too? What did he mean? I was afraid to know.

“There are many rules in life,” Jesus said.

“I agree,” I said. “A father or mother has many things to teach their children when they’re young. As they get older, others will teach them too. When they learn a trade they’ll have even more rules to remember.”

“Some rules are more important than others—some will save your life.”[210]

“I often warn Daniel about the danger of certain herbs. He even still gets careless around fire.”

“Yes, the fire.”

“I’m always careful to put out the fire when I can’t keep a close eye on it and Daniel.

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