Hope everyone is having an Okay week! As I was going through some video clips this week, a You tube video came up about a sheep that was discovered by hikers covered in 80 pounds of wool. The sheep could barely stand let alone walk. He was rescued, cared for, and is now fully recovered livin’ the good sheep life. Normally this type of video isn’t appealing to me, but I am here to tell you that Jesus can use even a video to touch your heart.

While watching the video several things became clear. This sheep was in distress, this was a problem that had taken a while to become a problem and without the help of the “shepherd” who found him this sheep would have succumbed to the wool. All of a sudden when watching this it became clear to me that I like so many I am this sheep. I keep trudging along carrying large amounts of “wool.” Adding just a little bit to it each day some of which I can handle, but when there is never relief or a “sheering’ if you will, the weight just becomes too much. It can happen all of a sudden or it can be a slow process that just one day becomes too heavy. Succumbing to the “wool” for humans can lead to depression, alcoholism, anger, addiction issues, stress, anxiety and even being an overachiever.

As I continued to watch, they showed the sheep just barely able to stand the wool encompassing his entire body was matted, thick,full of briers. The wool that should normally be shaved to create something of beauty was literally killing him. He was unable to bend unable to drink or eat he just kept trying to stand with the added weight. His little legs trembling under the weight. We are this sheep; our wool is many things. It can be illness, chronic pain, loss of a loved one, loss of job, divorce all of which are obvious, but it can also be other things. Other things that might be the wool in your life and mine: guilt, shame, unrealistic expectations, fear, anxiety, job issues, being a people pleaser, being a perfectionist, and world events. Keep in mind that even happy things could be your “wool.” Getting ready for a wedding, changing jobs, planning a trip or spending time figuring out who you are.

Are there days that you get up so weighted down that you can barely stand or think? Are there days where you are just surviving, not living let alone living the way God calls you to live? I know that I sure have those days and this year I have had more than I care to even admit. There have been times when one more ounce of wool and I would have been done. Times when tears were the only thing could be sure of. Why is it then that we carry these loads?

Continuing with the video, in order to save this sheep, wool had to be removed. It was going to be a slow process because the sheep had not been tended to in so long. Now a “Good Shepherd” has come along and was slowly and methodically sheering the sheep with gentle expert hands taking the hours and hours needed to safely cut away the wool. As this video showed the careful care given to the sheep, I could not help but think that is what Jesus wants for us. He wants to be our gentle savior, helping us by making our burden light. He wants us to bring each care to him and leave it there, not pick it up add it to the things of that day.

When the sheep began to realize the “shepherd” was there to help, you could watch it relax and the first thing you saw were the bright hopeful eyes that showed as his face wool was trimmed away. With each section done you could see the sheep get lighter and happier. If only we would do this, if only we would actually take our burdens to the foot of the cross and leave them there. So many times, we are willing to tell God our problems, ask for his help and immediately try to fix things ourselves. We are also often willing to express to God the remorse we have for our actions, but as soon as we are done, we pick the guilt right back up and carry it. Forgiveness is hard, especially when you are offering it to yourself.

By the end of the video this sheep was completely sheered, able to eat and drink, able to not only stand, but run and play. By letting the shepherd care for him and take the weight away he is now able to live his best sheep life. The Gospel is this exact message. We have a “Good Shepherd” waiting to take care of us, ready to help us with all our “wool.” If we will trust him, he promises we are never alone. He doesn’t promise us no “wool” he promises that whatever the “wool” is he will use it for the good of his plan and he will not leave you. He will use for good the wool that Satan intends for evil. I am trying to remember this myself as well as encourage each of you. Life brings us trials as well as joys. Share them with Jesus let him lead. In all ways acknowledge him and he will guide your ways. When the tears come, and they often will, let’s try our hardest to remember we are not alone. God provides us with other Christians that are here to support and help us. As Christians it is important for us to support and hold each other up. I am so blessed in this area and want to be a blessing to others so, please message me if there is anyone feeling alone or needing support/prayer. I will be that friend. No one should feel desperately alone in this world, but it can feel that way without Jesus!

God Bless,

Diana