I’ve heard often enough that sheep are not the smartest animals.  I assume it’s true.  In the past I have bristled at the thought of being compared to a sheep for that reason.  But lately?  I feel like a sheep.  I look at many of my attitudes and actions and realize they are just absolutely ridiculous, but at the same time feel completely helpless to change.  I feel stupid, both for how I am and for not knowing how to fix myself.

More and more I note the tug of the proverbial shepherd’s hook, dragging me in a different direction than I am wont to go.  I imagine sheep don’t have a naturally acquiescent response to such an action.  I don’t either.  I would rather have a reason carefully explained to me and then have a choice.  There are times when God does that, and it works to make me change my course.  The reality, though, is that there are sometimes reasons that I just won’t understand…or that I won’t agree with even if I do understand.

So, I get prodded, and tugged, and sometimes carried in a direction I would not choose for myself.  In those moments, I am forced to remind myself of the fact that I cannot fathom His understanding…and that He is a good shepherd.  He takes care of me when I don’t know enough to take care of myself.  Even if there is some discomfort, it is for my good – to rescue me from unknown danger or to lead me to a better place.

I just need to trust.