I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:11, 14–16

I have been pondering being a sheep. I do like the pictures of Christ holding sheep. I like the thought of a Good Shepherd tending the flock. I have also seen several things online where being a sheep is not a good thing like maybe we don’t have a brain. We just follow along like a lamb to slaughter just because everyone else is doing that. Those thoughts are not kind. Where has the kindness gone these days? Maybe it hasn’t really gone, maybe other voices have just gotten louder. I remember hearing a sermon from someone who had done some research on sheep. They said that sheep were smart. They could discern voices and learn different commands. The sheep would only come when their master called. The voice that they actually knew. I do find that comforting. It is also a call to get to know the Lord through study and prayer. Jesus has a way of touching your heart. Once you feel that connection, He desires to draw you close, to heal your wounds and make you whole again. Then the call is to discover your gifts and serve where you are able. You are a needed and necessary part of God’s plan.