A Lost Calf

Yesterday in the midst of a beautiful snowfall, Cowboy and I did a cattle head count.  This is not easy since cattle won't stand still.  After the two of us counted at least a dozen times each, we found that we were one calf short.  Cowboy decided that before we head out to find him, he would fill the hay feeders for the rest of them.  While the cattle munched on hay, Cowboy and I headed out on foot searching the woods and ravines, high and low, for the one missing calf.

Our world was blanketed by giant snowflakes and ice formed on ruby colored rose hips.  It was a lovely sight, indeed.  On another day, I would have loved to have stood there at the fence taking in the incredible view while snow covered my coat and hat, jeans and boots.  We had too important a task, though:  a lost calf.  All during our search I thought about Jesus' parable of the lost sheep and was warmed by the love and care he has for each one of us.

Luke 15:3-6....Then Jesus told them this parable:  "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.  Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me;  I have found my lost sheep.'  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."


He tenderly searches for sinners and then forgives them joyfully....that's love.