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In the July/August
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Dear Friends, I came across the following item in a book called "Telling Tales" by H.L. Gee, which I would like to share with you. Two men met on the Scottish hills, an English tourist and an old shepherd. The old shepherd had his dog with him - a quick, wonderfully intelligent creature to whom a low whistle was as good as a hundred words of explanation. The Englishman, wearing a cap, muffler and coat, walked in step with the shepherd, the two talking of many things. Presently they began discussing some of the follies and ills of this day and generation. ‘It seems to me,’ remarked the tourist,’ that the world is in a bigger muddle now than it has ever been. There is no peace. There is cruelty and stupidity and greed. Millions are wretched and afraid in a world overflowing with good things. I try to keep my faith, such as it is, but it is not easy. Somehow, I find it very hard to believe God is love when He allows mankind to suffer as mankind is suffering now’. Up there on the bleak heights amid a vast loneliness the shepherd stood still. ‘Lend me your muffler, man - and turn up your collar’, he ordered. Mystified, the tourist did as he was bidden. He was even more mystified when the shepherd carefully tied the muffler round the sheepdog’s head and neck. Having made the dog lie on the springy grass, the shepherd strode on his way, he and the tourist saying nothing till they had put fifty or sixty yards between them and the dog. The shepherd turned, wrinkled his lips, and whistled. His dog did not stir. He whistled again. Still the dog - usually so quick to respond - remained motionless. Slowly the two men retraced their steps. ‘You see?’ the shepherd asked. The dog disna obey because he canna hear. Is not that whits wrang wi’ the world the noo? It isn’t that God disna love us, but we will no hear His voice. He speaks, but we never listen. We canna see Him because we are no pure in heart. Only let us be still and hear His voice and seek to do His will, and a’ the wrangs will be righted, a’ the suffering gie place to joy’. ‘Be still and know that I am God bless you, Tom Elsby
Church Activities for July & August
Sunday Morning Service and Junior Church 10.45am.
Contacts:
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