For my wife, Cheri, on Mother’s Day 2014
A wise shepherdess
Who tenderly mends
What is broken
Who reinforces
What is weak
She leads her flock to green pastures,
Beside quiet waters;
She partners with God in restoring souls.
She leads by living
Heals by loving
Defends through teaching
Fierce is she!
Against all oppressors of her flock!
She stands faithfully,
Wisely
Strongly
Lovingly
Between her flock and all harm.
Though she thinks her tasks mundane,
And of little consequence;
She rules and reigns with God, her Shepherd
She is his royal daughter
Cared for personally by him,
Part of his flock.
Princess Shepherdess!
Though she walks in obscurity,
She is never outside the light of his smile