Sheepishly grateful.

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name's sake."

(Psalm 23:1-3)

I first got to really see sheep "up close and personal" while in England. As an adult. Oh, I'd seen sheep at petting zoos before. But this was different. When Jody and I spent a month in England, we got to see sheep all... the... time.

We stayed in the Lake District, in northern England. It was kind of like living in a national park. Lots of lakes & mountains... numerous hiking trails... and tons of sheep. Everywhere. There was even a "Sheep Center" in the town near us - complete with a sheep show, highlighting the wide variety of sheep breeds in England.

Psalm 23 is arguably the most beloved piece of scripture in the entire Bible. Just about everybody knows it. It's probably read at more funerals than any other passage. It's so comforting for so many.

Experts tell us that sheep are not the most intelligent animals in the barn. They're very simple-minded, and need lots of guidance. Lots. Maybe that's why we connect so well with Psalm 23?!? we know how dependent we are upon God's guidance.

I'm 2 weeks away from my surgery. Overall, I'm not worried. Not really. I know it's a procedure that's done all the time. I know the skill of the surgeon who will be operating on me. I know the reputation of the hospital. I know the recovery timeline and outlook for complete healing. I also know how many people in my church (and across the country) will be praying for me and seeking to help in a variety of ways. That's very comforting and reassuring.

But I also know that God is the one who will ultimately see me through. I believe God helped my PCP order the blood test that led to further inquiry... which led to a referral to a urologist... which led to a biopsy... which led to the decision for surgery. I believe God has put people in my life who have encouraged me for the way ahead. All of that is part of how God is "leading me in right paths" and "restoring my soul" (or as the original Hebrew reads, "life").

I'm grateful for a Good Shepherd in my life. May I continue to follow His guidance and direction.