The chapter we covered this week in class talked about how good shepherds love and care for their sheep. It also shared how Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. We learned a lot about the nature of sheep. Sheep have very interesting personality traits, many similar to us. We also learned how good shepherds are a reflection of God’s love for us.

In this chapter, all the kids had the opportunity to pretend that they had a little sheep. I believe that once they learned they had to give it a name, they became very close to the it. When I asked them about the name they chose and why, they all gave more or less the same response; “Because I love that person, they are very special to me.” Anabelle said, she chose the names, Mary and God, for that reason alone.

I turned on a video as I shared how they are all very special, and will always be, because God made them and gave them all a meaning and purpose. The film was about a little crippled sheep who felt left out and different. This then brought him a lot of anger, to the point of going out into the wilderness on his own. He wanted to prove to the rest of the sheep that he did not need them. This pride brought the little sheep into great danger as he faced a giant lion. This made Siena turn to me and say, “My hands are sweating!” As she waited fearfully of what was going to happen. Sure enough, just as the great lion was getting ready to feast, the Good Shepherd interceded and saved him.

Even after the blessing of being saved, the little sheep was not very happy. He was still crippled and different from the rest. Then, one night when all the sheep were on their way to the green pasture, he had to stay back at the barn. On this night, there was one very bright star in the sky, and a lovely lady and her husband entered the barn. Next the little sheep realized that a beautiful baby boy was just born. Then, the couple looked around for something to help keep their newborn baby warm on that cold night. The little crippled sheep realized, for the first time, that God had a great purpose for him. The little sheep would be the one to help keep the newborn baby warm.

After the film, I said, “Look at my lips. There is something I want you to remember always.” They asked, “You want us to remember your lips?” I said, “No, I want you to remember not only what I say, but I want you to see what I am saying. I want it to be seen with your eyes, heard with your ears and received in your heart. God made you very special, and has great plans for you.” I have to say, that all their little smiles, are enough to make a teacher feel the presence of God’s great love in the room.

 When we feel broken, it is truly a time when we see the hand of God in action, protecting us. As the psalm of David says, in psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

May God bless you always,

Deanna Danielle