The Good Shepherd

Isaiah 40:11

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;

In his arms he gathers the lambs,

Carrying them in his bosom,

Leading the ewes with care.

I have been reflecting on the Good Shepherd.  May I share with you what that means to me?

Several years ago, my son, Pete, did some volunteer work for several months on the Black Mesa Navajo Reservation in northern Arizona.  Among other things, he daily shepherded about 100 sheep and 20 goats, leading them to water and food.  In preparation for this work, he was required to read a lot of instructions, including lists of “do’s” and “don’ts”.  One of the don’ts was that, if a lost sheep was found, it was to be picked up and held away from one’s body.  Why? Because when held close to the shepherd’s body, the lost sheep picks up that shepherd’s natural scent which could cause the sheep’s mother to reject it.

I think it is so cool knowing our Creator seeks us and gently holds us close, marking us forever by her tender love and his infinite mercy.

As you answer the call to service, have you considered joining our flock!?

Kathy Flynn, Candidate

Madison, Wisconsin