LOST SHEEP

TODAY: Send your mother a note today, thanking her for a specific time and place where you learned a lesson of unselfishness or patience or love from her. Or adopt a mother. Send a letter to someone who has given you an unexpected but important gift.

Sheep are simple creatures who need only food, water and shelter. They depend on their shepherds to lead them. A gentle word and a caressing hand move them over the rolling hills full of tender grasses and close to life-giving water.

They are sensitive to the slightest changes in their daily routines.They trust only their master. The shepherd knows the limitations of his sheep and adjusts his guidance to keep them in harmony. I look back on my life and the many occasions that I felt lost and confused. It seemed like I had no direction or protection in a world full of lost sheep, but just when life got too hard to bear, I felt a gentle push or a loving tug and found myself back on track. Only about six years ago did I find out that my mother prayed for me each and every day of my life and still does. When she told me about her faithfulness, tears welled up in my eyes, and all the times that I had felt lost came rushing back to me as I realized that it was the Lord who carried me back on HIS shoulder rejoicing. Thanks, Mom.

— Frank Bertrand

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist