On sheep and shepherds and moms They are perhaps the most familiar words from the Bible. We may be most familiar with Psalm 23 from funerals, where the words are read to offer comfort and hope for those in “the valley of the shadow of death.” Yet the words offer more than comfort for grief. These deeply personal words reveal a deeply personal relationship between the writer and the Lord, the Shepherd whose constant care and guidance have shared every step of the writer’s journey. We don’t see sheep around Cartersville too much, and I suspect few of us know any real shepherds. But if you’ve seen mothers in action, you might have an idea what one looks like. I often see them lined up in the carpools outside of the elementary schools. The kids come bursting through the doors at the end of the day and the shepherds are there to corral their sheep. They know them by name, and the sheep hear their voice. Shepherds watch over their sheep as they frolic on the green grass in the park. They get them to slow down for a few minutes to rest. They offer their wisdom when the sheep are faced with tough choices. These watchful shepherds are quick to run and anoint skinned knees and bruised feelings with a tender caress and kiss. They huddle by their beds in the dark of night when fevers or bad dreams cast long shadows. They organize birthday parties where cups often run over. They chase after us with laughter and treat us with mercy when we deserve otherwise. And at the end of the day, they are the ones who call us “home.” In light of Mothers Day this past Sunday, take a fresh look again at Psalm 23. Look at all the Facebook posts of people honoring their mothers. Watch with wonder and admiration at the host of shepherds who live around us – and the ones who have guided us to where we now are in life. And give thanks that, like a mother, God is always at work shepherding us even when we don’t realize it. Grace and peace, Michael
Posted on: Tue, 13 May 2014 12:51:34 +0000
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