With teary eyes, we finished our fourth read-a-loud novel together today, Claire and Adam and I. It was a beautiful coming-of-age tale of a shepherd boy and his special cossett, a black lamb named Biddy. The book is Mountain Born by Elizabeth Yates. Before retiring this copy back to the bookshelf and trading it in for our next surprise, I wanted to share a gem I got from it a few days ago, something that made my heart swell with the kind of hope which comes only from Christ. While writing itself is my catharsis, reading is the catalyst for it most of the time. So here is (to me) a gorgeous passage of literature which whispers so gently to me of a certain little lamb in my house. I’m so glad that God continues to encourage me and inspire me as this little lamb’s mother, especially on the days when I feel I may not be fit to the task. Through Yates’ novel, He blew a breath of hope my way:
“Biddy’s lamb sure was such a naughty one today,” Mary was saying. “Three times, Peter, she went under the fence and I had to bring her back, and once she was just about to try the lettuce plants coming up in your garden!”
“She’s got spirit.” Peter nodded with pleasure. “She’ll make a leader just like Biddy one day.”
“I shouldn’t think naughtiness would mean that.” Mary said.
Explorarion—courage—how could Peter explain that was what the black ewe lamb had showed and that was what counted for so much. Most of the flock would follow wherever a leader went but were fearful of going anywhere without a leader. It was important that every now and then the flock should produce a sheep with wit, as well as fleece and bone.
“Wait and see,” Peter contented himself with saying. “She may lead us many a chase this year, but she’ll lead the whole flock another year.”
The Cash Clan 
Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing.