by James Rebanks
I share a job title with James Rebanks and yet we do very different work. He’s a shepherd, but the sheep he tends have four legs, and he did not intend this book for metaphoric application.
Nevertheless, I read it a second time. I’m maybe just a bit less smitten with it than eight years ago, but the earthy, seasonal, relentless, and generational work parts continue to have good effect on my affections. I read it only on Sunday mornings while I got my body and blood moving to be ready for ministry to our assembled flock.
Here are his three rules of shepherding:
“First rule of shepherding: it’s not about you, it’s about the sheep and the land. Second rule: you can’t win sometimes. Third rule: shut up, and go and do the work.”
He wouldn’t say it this way, but, that’ll preach.