I’ve been thinking about herding a lot lately as I’ve been taking all but the bucks (twenty-two goats!) outside the protection of their fence and guard dogs to graze on a more healthy pasture each day. I open the gate and lead them out. I stay with them, alert for strays and predators (really, the dogs can do their work from right next door. But I’m still watching!) When I’m ready to head back in, I open the gate, walk in, and they follow. They trust me for what is good and to keep them safe. In John 10, Jesus calls himself the good shepherd. Shepherds in his time let sheep out of their fold (a walled pen), grazed them and led them to water, protecting them from predators all the while. But at night? He led them back to their fold and then SLEPT IN THE DOOR to continue to keep them safe! And Jesus calls himself this for US. We can trust him to lead us to the good grazing and the still waters and to keep us safe. I find this image incredibly comforting and a pattern of prayer for others.