Life on the Land · Faith & Family
To the Fathers Still Shepherding Hearts
“You are not forgotten or dismissed. You are treasured as the chiefs of our village…”
From our tribute to the grandfathers
Today, Shepherd Farms wants to honor our fathers… to those who have made all of us better. You made us all better because you raised men and women who, first and foremost, love and respect their Creator and all He has made for us as the Ultimate and Greatest Father of us all. And secondly, we acknowledge with immense gratitude the fathers who taught their children to love one another…
to smile at others
to be kind
to choose love when others choose hurt and pain
who taught forgiveness first, and to also be QUICK to forgive
who demonstrated a spirit of self-control instead of anger, frustration, and strife
who are both strong and gentle
who are hard working and diligent, faithful and good
who provide on their most weary days
who love their wives in both word and deed
who love their children and “wait at the gate” in sincere intercession when they choose to behave as prodigals
who are patient and steady and understand how to plant a garden and tend it well, the garden of a fruitful family
And to the grandfathers, our Righteous Oaks, who maybe just maybe were still trying to figure out how to be all those things with their own children, but through the grace of God, now have the wisdom of the ages, the kind that comes from both failure and revival from utter ashes, we are here to listen and sit at your feet. We are here to learn from you. You are not forgotten or dismissed. You are treasured as the chiefs of our village, and your life’s wisdom is highly sought and valued amongst us.
As mothers and grandmothers, who have also tasted and known the grace of our good God, we understand the journey more than you know, the intense desire to “get it right.” We’re here to support you, love you, uplift you, and remind you of the men you are called to be as all of us strive as one family to be conformed into the image of our Heavenly Father, who is the epitome of it all.
To the fathers who have passed on, in mourning your loss, we seek not to allow our grief to be greater than our gratitude. We are thankful for the time we had with you, for the deposits you made into our lives and hearts that have made us better. Our gratitude is eternal.
A very happy Father’s Day to all the men still SHEPHERDING hearts near and far…
We value you,
Shepherd Farms of Alabama
Newer reflection: Well-Watered
Earlier reflection: It Knows the Sound of Its Source
Return to The Morning Mist