Fear Not Little Flock

A gentle breeze wrapped itself around me as my teacher friend and I walked from the public taxi we had ridden to come to his family land. It was still such a surprise to me that he extended this invitation, that for the duration of our journey to his village, I couldn’t wipe the silly, happy grin off of my face. Oh what joy in my heart to get out of the city smog for a brief moment and slow down. The breeze was my welcome hug. Before the adventure had even begun, I knew God was up to something sweet and I was ready to find Him wherever He could be found. Oh how He loves us. 

Fear not little flock… 

As we walked along the dirt road by ourselves, I was struck with the silence. No city sounds could be heard, only the mooing of cows and chirping of birds. It was immediately calming to my soul, and with my teacher friend at my side, I felt his deep sigh as well. This was his homeplace, and he had already recounted many fond memories of growing up in this area. I think sharing our lives this way validates our humanity. We talked little, but shared so much. 

It was a long walk, the kind I had been wondering if I could ever have again since I live in a city where walking in peace is unheard of. In fact, for an entire week prior to this invitation, I had prayed that God would offer me creative solutions to my walking dilemma. I had no idea what awaited me. 

Fear not little flock… peace

We were soon welcomed by the shy smiles of nearby school children and people going about their daily chores. My teacher friend took me first to his home where we were greeted by his sister who was on school break. We made plans for our evening meal, he bought some mangoes to share and settled in for the night. 

Once his dad and mom returned from their work for the day, dinner preparations began. They have a fire in a small room adjacent to their home where they cook their meal. That they were willing and delighted to share their food with me was so humbling. We had traditional Ugandan fare and then gathered in their main room to fellowship and get to know one another. My teacher friend’s dad never stopped smiling or telling funny stories and the rest of the family joined in often. As I was in need of some dilly dally time and good belly laughs, my stomach wasn’t the only thing that got filled. 

Fear not little flock… joy

The next day was filled with slashing a field with a huge blade and tending cows… in a dress. He said no one does as well on their first try as I did, but I think he may have been exaggerating, seeing as I am his boss. (wink!) His dad has cows for income. He milks them and fills a large plastic bucket with the milk, loads it onto the back of a rickety old bike and peddles his wares, literally. Going from house to house, people come out with a container of some sort and take a bowl full. This used to be my friend’s job when he was a young boy growing up in the village. 

I loved watching his dad with his cows. We pumped water from a well up the road about a half of a mile from his pasture, filling large yellow jerry cans, and then loading them on the bike to take to the cows because there is no water where they are living. He spends all of his days with the cows, looking after each and every need, and tending them like a mother of small children. It is a sight to behold. Even the cows have their needs met. 

Fear not little flock…  righteousness 

We eventually had to say our goodbyes, but the invitation to return again was made clear. It was a wonderful walk down a long red dirt road back. We grinned at each other for time well spent. 

I think the simplicity of this journey was the very thing that made it so profound. “Fear not little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”  Luke 12:32 As we fret, fail to slow down, fear for our needs, and ignore his gentle shepherding we can miss an opportunity to discover the glorious pleasure of the kingdom he offers us… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) 

In the simple yes of our hearts, He responds with a Holy, irrevocable yes to us as well. So, join me as I pray that we would all remember, … it is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom.