August 24, 2022

I know an extraordinary Border Collie with an even more extraordinary owner/mistress. Mollie – the dog – recently showed some aggression toward some neighbors. And, she – quite naturally – charged a warren of rabbits. Mollie seemed excited but agitated.

Her owner then worked with her; lovingly, yet with real authority. Soon Mollie ceded her own will/instincts over to her owner. Not only did she stop her aggressive behavior, she even learned to steer clear of the bunnies!

And – here’s the thing – Mollie is more relaxed, more at peace, more herself when she is under the loving care of her owner.

You know the famous Psalm. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.” (Psalm 23:1) And one more thing about our Shepherd – he loves and forgives us even when we bark at the neighbors and go after the rabbits!

“O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him whocalls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for everand ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday of Easter – BCP)