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Good evening, little lambs. Tonight's story is called The Cool Cup at the Well, inspired by the Gospel of Matthew nineteen three twelve. Tonight, Jesus teaches us something cool and glad. God Himself is our help, so we can trust and not be afraid. He makes our hearts strong and puts a song inside us. His kindness is like cold water on a thirsty day, a gift we receive with joy, and then we tell someone else the good news. And so tonight we're back on Shepherd's Hill on a hot afternoon, where tired lambs learn that God is wonderfully close. The sun sat heavy on the grass, dust puffed under every hoof. The little stream by the willow was only a thin, shy ribbon. Clover's blue scarf felt warm at her chin, and her clover sprig drooped like a tired leaf. Biscuit's golden tuft tried to bounce and only wobbled. Quiet Matt stood at the cracked mud, watching a beetle look for a drink that was not there. I'm so thirsty, Biskit whispered, which was unusual because Biskit almost never whispered. A worried thought rose in Clover, the way heat rises off a path. What if the water is all gone before night? she asked. What if we go to sleep still dry and a little scared? That was when Jesus came along the path, warm as always. He looked at each lamb as if that lamb were the only one in the meadow. Come, little ones, Jesus said, I know a well. You do not have to stay thirsty. You do not have to stay afraid. They followed him over the ridge. The path was pale and dry. Clover's legs felt wobbly. Then Jesus glanced back, and his kind face was like shade on a stone. At the bottom of the far slope stood a round well, cool and grey. Moss lived in the cracks. A wooden bucket weighted on a rope, and the air smelt wet and sweet. Jesus lowered the bucket. It kissed the dark water far below. Up it came, dripping. He poured some into a smooth wooden cup and held it out with both hands. Drink, he said. The water was cold and sweet. It tasted like rain and rest. Biscuits tuft stood straight up. Matt closed his dark eyes and smiled a small smile. Clover felt the coolness all the way to her hooves, and her sprig lifted bright green. Jesus sat on the well's wide rim so the lambs could lean near. God himself is the one who saves you and keeps you, he said softly. The help is not a prize you earn, the help is God. You can lean on him. You do not have to be afraid. When your legs feel wobbly, he is your strength. When your throat feels dry, he is the song that rises up anyway. Clover tipped her head. So even after a hard hot day, God is not far. He is not far, Jesus said. After a bitter thirsty time, God does not leave you in sorrow. He is ready to cheer you and to save you. His kindness is like this well. You dip in with happy hearts and drink. You receive it. Biscuit licked a drop from her nose. I want everybody to have some. Jesus smiled. That is the next joy, he said. Do not keep it a secret. Give thanks, call on his name, tell the good things he has done, so other lambs can run to the same fountain of peace. They filled a second cup and walked back toward the fold. Old Woolley waited in the thin shade of the gate, silver grey wool soft as dusk. Clover held the cup with two hooves, the way Jesus had held it. We found water, she said. Jesus led us. It is cold and kind. God is our help. You do not have to be afraid. Old Wooly drank, and his eyes crinkled. Then the lamb sang a small, thankful song, not fancy, just true. Thank you, Lord, you make us strong. You put a song in us. Jesus stood among them, and the evening felt near and holy. Be glad, he said, voiced gentle as the first star. The holy God is wonderfully close. He is great, and he is here, right in the middle of you, so your sleep can be safe. The hill cooled. Crickets began their tiny fiddles. Every lamb felt it, not just water in their mouths, but joy under their wool, because the shepherd who leads to the well also stays. And so tonight we learnt that God Himself is our help. We can trust Him and not be afraid. He is our strength and our song, and His kindness is a well we drink with glad hearts. We tell that news because God is not far away. He is here, close enough for bedtime. What is one good thing God has done that you could tell someone tomorrow the way Clover carried that cup? Let's close our eyes now, safe on the green hill held by the shepherd who is our well, our song, and our near God. Jesus, you are our help and our song. We trust you and we are not afraid. Thank you for being close. Amen. Good night, little lamb. God loves you so much. Sweet dreams.