Attack of the Fluffy Flock

   Leaves crunch under my sparkly flip flops. Rays of sun flood through the cracks in the canopy of tree branches and wash over my face. I soak in this moment as I walk with my dear friend. It is wonderful to be on our hospital compound in Malamghat for the weekend. This escape from the chaos of the city and the demands of school life is as precious as cool water to a thirsty desert caravan. We love the work God allows us to be a part of in Chittagong, but we are also thankful for times of rest and peace. All of a sudden, in the middle of this peaceful scene, we hear a soft rumble behind us and the sound of many leaves crunching. Turning, I expect to see a man on a bicycle peddling along the path. It takes me a few seconds to rein in my shock and jump out of the way when I realize the approaching sound certainly is not coming from a bicycle.
    Barreling toward us down the narrow dirt path is a whole flock of sheep! We barely jump off the path before they are upon us. Each sheep is dragging a thin green rope with a stake attached to the end. In the back of the flock, leisurely trailing behind, is the shepherd. He seems to be completely unconcerned with the fact that his sheep are running almost out of his sight. We watch with a bit of astonishment and big grins spread across our faces.
    When the trail clears we begin our walk once again. After a minute more of walking we see the flock ahead. They are now circled around a bright red plastic pail of food. The pail is set in the middle of a small, and rather brown looking, pasture of grass. By this time the shepherd has already caught up with his crazy flock and he is staking each rope to the ground. That is one way to move the flock! 
    My friend looks at me and says, “Well, aren’t you glad that is not how Jesus shepherds His people?!” I smile as I ponder this comment and watch one of the wayward sheep try to climb over a ledge of dirt and escape. Yes, I am very thankful my Shepherd is the perfect Good Shepherd. He doesn’t trail behind and expect to meet up with me eventually. He doesn’t begrudgingly look on as I stupidly sneak into danger.
     My Shepherd has a beautiful heart of love that overflows as He sets His affections on me. Wow, how can that love be directed to a sheep like myself? I don’t understand it, but I cherish it. My Shepherd walks before me, leads me, protects me, and treasures me. I am so thankful for my Shepherd. This sheep is basking in the joy of knowing and being treasured by the Good Shepherd.

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”

 -Jesus (John 10:11)