A Good Shepherd

Last weekend, I attended a celebration of life for a woman I knew through my Christian network. I didn’t know her well, but over the years she and I crossed paths at various fellowships and enjoyed conversing over our mutual passions for animals and healing (through Christ). She was around the age of my mentor, and it got me thinking about the value of being a good shepherd (1 Peter 5: 2-3).

My Christian mentor was also a mentor and friend to the lady who passed away. She has been a spiritual mother to me for just about a decade. I credit her guidance with much of my spiritual development. She is around the age of the lady who passed away. I get emotional thinking about the day when the Lord will call her home, because she has been such a grounding force in my life. I think having a mentor is a real asset. The journey gets rough at times, and I can’t imagine where I would be without her. Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened had I given up at some point if she wasn’t throwing me the life preserver (keeping me anchored to Christ) when Satan had his hooks deep in some area of my life.

We have to look out for each other, folks. I was just reminded of the importance of community after attending teacher-training and parent-partnership seminars at my soon-to-be kindergartner’s Christian school. Every speaker emphasized the need for parents to be actively involved in their kids’ schooling, beyond drop-offs and pick-ups. Schools (public or private, secular or religious) benefit from parental participation and offer lots of volunteer opportunities toward that end. These opportunities give us a chance to not only be better shepherds to our own children, but to the children of our neighbors, friends, and community.

What makes a good mentor? Someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Someone with a lot of life experience who is well-versed in biblical truths and isn’t afraid to speak with tact. Someone who is patient, forgiving, giving, and available. Someone who loves you a little tougher at times, cheers you on during victories, and prays fervently on your behalf during trials. Someone who has much to teach and instill, so that someday you can do for others what that person has done for you.

I know that the Lord has placed this woman in my life to train me so that I can grow and continue doing purposeful work for Him. She is a blessing to many.

“Jesus, thank you for the good shepherds. Continue to teach and train us up in your ways so that we may counsel others well and be receptive to the guidance of others. And, thank you for being our ultimate Shepherd.”