Gratitude From One Old Sheep

The little sheep, cried aloud, beneath the shepherd’s hand.
Bowing her head, she surrendered to, this tender-hearted man.
“He anoints my head with oil, I am free from pests and I’m clean
So unworthy am I, but he loves me, and I’m seen.
An honor to be chosen from the shepherd’s fold, but for what?
Too old to be sold!
Overlooked and lowly, I’m not at all bold!
Afraid of my own shadow, fear grips me on every side.
Where can I run too? Where can I hide?
Frightened, even when I seek water, from the moving, bubbling, stream.
Yet, He waits for still waters just to keep me calm and serene.
Oh, what love the shepherd offers to one lost sheep…
He leaves all the others to rescue me from the deep…
Caught in a thicket, his rod reaches in and pulls me out…
I’m complete.
He holds me close as I tremble.
He soothes my tattered heart.
He kisses me and holds me, even in the dark.
I was once a young lamb and of not much worth…
I am now an old sheep, still the shepherd keeps…
Rescuing me and when I weep…
He hears my cries and extends my days…
Forever, I will follow him, and dwell with him, always!

~Marla Shaw O’Neill April 2, 2025

Psalm 23:5 King James Version – Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.