The story goes that a Montana sheepherder got sick and was taken to the hospital in Fort Benton. His sheep dog followed his master to the city and kept watch outside the hospital door. When the sheepherder died, his body was taken to the train to be shipped back to his family in the east. The dog, Shep was his name, appeared at the train station, cried for his master and vainly chased the train down the tracks.
For the next five and a half years, Shep met every train that came into Fort Benton, hoping that one of the passengers getting off would be his master. Shep became well-known and kindly people took care of hi but he refused to be taken to anyone’s home. He had but one devotin: waiting for his master to return. Shep’s devotion did not waver until the cold winter day in 1941 when he died.
It’s a true story and when I read it, I couldn’t help but think, if only I, if only we, could demonstrate that same unwavering devotion to our heavenly Master. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37) Lord, have mercy.
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