Embracing the Sheep in Me

This is so me.

I've made a strong.

Personal connection to these faces.

And this creature.

I am so --- a sheep.

Especially when it comes to my faith.

A friend planted the idea in my mind a few weeks ago.

She heard a teacher describing our close connection to sheep.

As followers of Jesus.

I connected instantly to the comparison.

Because.

In my faith.

I've been.

Indecisive.

Helpless.

I've been frightened easily.

I've been.

Romantic.

Irresponsible.

Passive.

Emotional.

With no sense of direction.

Maybe not all the time.

But more times than I'd care to admit.

When it comes to spiritual matters.

I learned that sheep will often settle for less.

When they are thirsty.

They'll stop to drink from a dirty puddle right in front of them.

Instead of drinking from still waters.

Twenty feet ahead.

During this pandemic.

I've sorely missed fellowship.

And relationships outside of my workplace and my immediate family.

I've felt more vulnerable.

And more isolated.

As I've looked at this comparison more.

I learned something interesting.

Just about all domesticated animals.

Can be returned to the wild.

And have a decent chance of surviving.

But, not a sheep.

Without a shepherd,

Sheep are in trouble.

Easy prey.

They can't defend themselves very easily.

But.

They have a remarkable instinct.

For knowing the voice of the shepherd.

"I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The hired hand is not the shepherd.

And does not own the sheep.

So when he sees the wolf coming,

he abandons the sheep and runs away.

Then the wolf attacks the flock.

And scatters it.

The man runs away.

Because he is a hired hand.

And cares nothing for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd;

I know my sheep.

And my sheep know me -

just as the Father knows me

And I know the Father -

And l lay down my life for the sheep."    John 10: 11-15

So.

I'm trying to embrace.

The sheep in me.

Glancing Forward

It's been months now since I've written.

I've heard that creativity is one of the first things to go.

During seasons of stress.

And responsibility.

That's been so true for me these last months..

Maybe for you as well.

But.

I read something recently that I loved.

It came from my study notes in the book of Hebrews.


During a time when the rug has been pulled out from under

life as we know it -

It was simple.

And spoke to me.

"Love your family,

Your spouse

Your job

And your church,

but set your sights beyond the horizon.

You are an activist,

Invested in witnessing to a needy world,

but take frequent glances 

toward a promised community still to come.

You're a gardener,

And a builder,

shaping environments,

turning weeds into something beautiful,

painting

and patching

and clearing -

but,

you know God is building something 

far more beautiful

and breathtaking

just for you."

Thankful to be walking through

Not taking up permanent residence in this world.

Thankful for the future He has promised me.