Shepherds Who Preach the Word

Do not show your prickles.
Picture a chestnut burr.
Those young in faith see only the prickles and will not even touch it,
but the wise see first the fresh chestnut
that lies within.
If you were a chestnut burr, how long would you hang on the tree?
Only when it ripens does the burr split open
and show its lovely form, does it not?
Ripen, and soon.
Let us spend more time talking, you and I.
Pray for the shepherds who preach the word.
How weighty a calling they carry,
and that I see even the smallest movement of their fingertips—
these things they must know.
Pray for them from the depths of your spirit.