The Good Shepherd

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

John 10:27-28 NIV

This morning I was reading chapter 10 of John which talks of The Good Shepherd.  I've always loved this story and the images that usually accompany it.  I've recently learned that it is the most widely loved image of Jesus by children due to the protective, loving, gentle nature portrayed.  

In my early 20s, I became even more enamoured with The Good Shepherd thanks to Fr. Bev Barge, whose affinity for it lead me to look more deeply.  He even led us on a journey to the small Good Shepherd's chapel in the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  It was 1991, my oldest was just four months old and I wasn't much more than a baby myself.  Life was scary and confusing.  I sat with her in my arms in the tiny alcove and remember feeling completely at peace, calm, protected.  I knew everything was going to be alright, even if I didn't know how.  I remember feeling my heart literally swell as I showed her the image of The Good Shepherd and explained that she was like the lamb in His arms: loved, cherished and God's own.  

I have shared the story of The Good Shepherd with each of my 3 children and shared that they were His sheep.  Life has not been easy for us.  We have walked many rocky, steep mountains and through many dry, barren, canyon sized and wolf infested valleys.  But The Good Shepherd has always been with me; calling my name; asking me to trust and follow Him.  And my children have followed me, hopefully learning to listen also for His voice.  This is my greatest prayer.  

Today, I read the story again.  Maybe it is the time of year, but today as I read, I was overwhelmed with the image of my students as sheep.  Some from different flocks, some sheep without a shepherd, but each longing to held, comforted, cared for, brought to peace and safety.  They are growing up in a world where there are so many calling their names, and voice imitation has become an art form.  I thought about the fact that, because I work in a public school, I cannot share this story with them directly.  Instead I have live my life like the shepherd.  When they are with me I need to be the one calling their name, guiding them to safety, leading.  When they look, they need to see something different. They need to know they are safe.  They need to see The Good Shepherd through me.  My actions must speak louder than the words I cannot say.  I must plant seeds that keep them seeking for the One who can save them and lead them in a life everlasting.  My daily prayers for them the water.  My words to build up and encourage them to grow.  The shepherd does not idly watch his sheep.  He is active and even if his words are few, the sheep still know.  Society may make it impossible for me to talk about The Good Shepherd, but my actions can speak loud enough and I will trust Him to do the rest,

Lord, as we are about to begin a new school year, I lift up teachers every where.  I ask you, Lord, to watch over us and to guide us.  Help us plant seeds that draw these young ones to you; guard our words so that we can safely continue in the job you have called us to; enable us and guide us to show Your love, provision, care and peace to those we come into contact with.  And bless the precious little sheep who You are sending to us. Whether they are 5 or 15, they are growing up in a craggy, rugged land.  Keep their footing sure and may they see the wolves in sheep's clothing and know they are theives.  Protect us all.  Provide for us.  Lead us.  Thank you, Lord, for bringing us together.  May your will be done.  Amen.