Step 7
Alter looked over at the bundle of gray rags on the ground. The sun slowly poked up above the dark blue Judean hills. Morning frost covered the ground, each frost rimmed blade of grass, shrub, or rock slowly glowed apricot as the sun inched higher into the day. He always enjoyed this time of day. It was the reason he usually volunteered for the early morning shift. He enjoyed the quiet before the hustle of the day’s activities. He had a few moments to himself, moments he used to pray and meditate, thanking the Lord for yet another day. Soon it would be time to wake the sheep and lead from the fold. After watering them at the spring, they would head out into the hills searching for fodder. Despite the generally slow pace, a shepherds’ day was filled with responsibility and activity, leaving little time for introspection or contemplation. During these few minutes, Alter let his mind wander. He often went back in time, to a much better happier time, a time before sheep and slavery. In those quiet moments, he often saw his wife and daughter. They waved to him from the green hills in his mind. But he couldn’t cross the chasm carved by time and depravity. Sighing, he returned to the morning and his duties.
Bending over, he gently nudged the pile of rags, “Come Demetrius. It’s time to get up.”
“Ungh,” the rags moaned and slowly sat up. “Is it morning already?”
“Yes,” Alter, replied, “Come on. We’ve got to get the sheep moving for the day.”
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