The Good Shepherd

Jesus is many things to many people, but probably one of the most well known of His "roles" is that of the Good Shepherd. He talked about how a good shepherd is willing to leave all of the other sheep to go after one stray sheep... and how a good shepherd is willing to lay down His life to keep the bear, wolves, or whatever predators are at bay away from His helpless sheep.

This morning, I can identify with this. Like a sheep, I'm kind of dumb and helpless. Excuse me for bearing my heart here, but sometimes I'm a pretty stinky Mom. Last night Caleb had a sleepover with 5 of his friends. They stayed up most of the night and I think generally had an ok time. There were a few arguments and quarrels but boys will be boys and when you get different personalities in a room, that's common. I'm trying to be laidback... but I can see me in Caleb so much. The me that got mad when my friends didn't do exactly what I wanted them to do, who planned and planned and then couldn't understand why my friends didn't want to carry out my plans. As an only child, Caleb struggles sometimes... but I had two sisters and I still struggled with wanting my own way! And sometimes I get mad at him when maybe I shouldn't. Sometimes I forget that he's only nine and I don't even want to think about how I acted when I was nine. I give grace to other kids where I don't Caleb, because he's mine and I have all these great expectations for him. I handle situations with Caleb in a completely wrong way. I say things that I shouldn't say and hurt feelings, and those things can't be changed. Sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough, or loving enough, or "Mom" enough. And I'm not...

But He is. The Good Shepherd is leading me, caring for me. He's already layed down His life for me. He ws willing to leave all of those other sheep and get me... time and again. He keeps coming back for me! And I read this verse this morning, and it almost makes me want to cry, because as much as I might mess up as a Mom, He's got my back. "He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young."

All you Mama's out there, that just gave me a breath. He'll lead me... the mother sheep with my young. I can protect Caleb, but I know He's got him too. And all those expectations I have for Caleb? I just need to give it all up... not because He's not going to do great things, but because the Good Shepherd is going to lead MY little lamb to places I can't begin to imagine. He's got oh so good plans for Caleb... exceedingly, abundant, more than I can imagine. If only this Mama sheep would quit being so bossy =)