One day, high upon a hill, there was a flock of sheep. This flock was tenderly cared for by a kind and strong shepherd, who led them each day to eat upon the grassy tops, and each night to drink from the cool stream in the valley below.
This particular hill was quite tall, and from it the sheep could gaze out and see much of the surrounding land that spread far and wide. Most of the other sheep seemed quite content to graze here, but Freddy was not. He looked out and only saw how much higher some of the other hills were compared to theirs, how much greener the grass looked on those hills.
One day, Freddy decided he would sneak away to explore another hill. He wouldn’t be gone too long. He would go taste the sweet grass, and come right back. No one would even miss him, and boy, would it be worthwhile. So, Freddy ventured out on his own toward the tallest hill with the greenest grass. He climbed down his own hill, and up the larger one. The climbing took him so long that it was almost midday by the time he reached the very top.
By this time, he was so hungry that he began to take in the tall grass with large mouthfuls, as much as he could chew. What a great idea! He thought to himself, as he chuckled over the way the other sheep hadn’t thought of this like him. What Freddy didn’t realize was that wandering off by himself had put him in danger. Being on the tallest hill left him exposed and vulnerable to predators. Predators like the wolves that had watched Freddy leave behind the protection of the flock, and were now slowly prowling toward him.
Freddy may not have known what was going on, and may not have seen the wolves climbing up the hill, but the shepherd did. The shepherd was a Good Shepherd, who looked after each and every one of the sheep in His flock with great care. When he saw that Freddy had wandered off and that he was now in danger, he went after him. Even leaving the other sheep behind.
By now, the wolves were getting closer. Freddy has stopped eating and perked his ears. He sensed that something was wrong, but it was already too late. His whole body shook with fear as he watched the pack of predators begin to circle around him. “Oh no! Why did I ever leave my flock behind?” He cried. His bleating grew louder and louder, as he lifted his voice to call for help.
When the Good Shepherd heard the sound of his sheep bleating in fear, he began to run. Faster and faster, he ran, climbing higher and higher. Seeing the wolves circling Freddy, the Good Shepherd broke out into a sprint, determined to get there in time. As he drew closer, he began to shout warning the wolves away with his roar. He then lifted up his shepherd’s staff and began to strike out against each of the creatures. He lashed and cut, thrashed and shooed, until all of the wolves turned away in defeat.
Freddy had stopped bleating. His body stiff and trembling. Suddenly, he felt strong hands reach towards him, and a gentle voice said, “It’s alright now, little one. You are safe now.” Freddy opened up his eyes to see that all the wolves had gone, and only he and the shepherd were left. He let himself be picked up and was so thankful when the shepherd placed him close to his chest. Together, they went back down the tallest hill with the greenest grass. Freddy listened closely to the beat of the shepherd’s heart, each thrum soothing away all his fear and worry. What would have happened if the shepherd had not been there to rescue him? Freddy thought and shuddered. “I will never leave you, nor forsake you. You are mine, and I will watch over you always.” The shepherd’s deep voice filled Freddy with such peace that he closed his eyes, exhausted from the days’ events. The Good Shepherd then tucked the little sheep even closer to his chest, and carried him all the way back home.