In The Shadow

The bronzed young man leaned back his weary head and allowed the warm sunshine to fill him with energy. He knew that his older brothers might later tease him about his cheeks becoming a shade pinker or about his ever-increasing collection of freckles across them, but the sunshine soothed his soul, and he soaked it up from his perch on the hillside. As his only companions bleated and grazed, David felt a gentle wind whip through his unkempt hair. The wild strands danced around his ears and across the top of his neck. He much preferred the calm company of the animals and the fresh air to the banter of his seven brothers and the constant chatter from his two sisters. He breathed in deeply and felt a peace fill his chest and a song fill his heart. He began to hum the tune as he returned his attention to the sheep. His watchful eye was scanning the horizon when he saw a silhouette coming towards him - coming towards them. No, it was two silhouettes. Silent now, David reached for his slingshot. He kept still while he assessed the situation. Was it another bear? The shadows seemed the wrong shape to be a lion. David’s heart beat faster. He had handled wild animals before, but he was still filled with… fear? No, that wasn’t it. It was as if excitement coursed through his body and every sense became even more acute, even more alive. It wasn’t fear that he felt. No, it was vigilance. His heart pounded as he crouched in preparation for a confrontation. He reached towards his belt as he watched the figures slowly move across the horizon. Attached to his belt was a small pouch with a few stones, ready to provide ammunition if needed. David reached in and quietly retrieved a round one that fit nicely into his sweaty palm. He could accurately hit a target from some distance. But not this distance. Whatever it was that was coming towards him, it was too far away to hit and too far to recognize. So David waited. Quietly, patiently. He monitored the movement of the shadows. Zeroing in on the moving shapes, David could now see that it was a man. And maybe a cow? But that realization did not put him at ease. He had heard from his brothers that thieves were often lurking in the area, a dangerous Amalekite remnant, ready to steal sheep or cattle. Just last week, the neighbor had lost several animals to these ruffians. David was determined that his father’s flocks would not suffer the same fate. It didn’t take long, however, for David to recognize that he needn’t fear the man approaching, nor the animal he led. The firm reliance of the man on his walking stick, the silver hair and beard, and the slow but dignified steps helped David to be nearly convinced that this man meant no harm to him nor to his flock. It was then that David expelled the breath he had been unconsciously holding, and he consciously unclenched his fist from the stone. He almost laughed at himself when the man came into full view. The elder was clearly a gentle soul whose tired body was working hard to cross the hillside. There was something strangely familiar about the gentleman, and David decided to approach him and find out if he needed assistance. The man explained that he was searching for the elders of Bethlehem. The shepherd replied, “I am David. Let me walk with you a ways and point you in the direction of my father. He will be able to help you.”