My phone was on the fritz. The charger port had become so loose that the only way to charge it was to set a large pepper mill in a certain place to hold the cord and phone together. Because we anticipate traveling a bit in the next months and I’m not sure I want to haul a large pepper mill with me everywhere we go, I ordered a new phone.
I have had this old phone for about five years. I don’t buy expensive, do everything phones. I buy ones that do just enough. As often as I drop my phone or subject it to phone-style torture, buying the latest and greatest is silly. So, my nice Android $150 phone arrived Friday. I can do talk, text, data on it just like the expensive ones. I’m finding I don’t need everything that the world says I need. I am learning to simplify.
The one thing I do need and will always need, is my Shepherd. Right after Jesus told his listeners in John 10:10 that He had come that they might have life abundantly, and that the enemy of our soul (the thief) comes only to steal, kill and destroy, He gave us a beautiful picture of Himself. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” [John 10:11-18]
God reveals Himself to us by His Names and Shepherd is one of the most beautiful names of Jesus to me. I am like that silly sheep which often find herself in trouble. Wandering too far. Partaking of things not always good for me. I’m obstinate and stubborn. I find myself in trouble and then I start to “baaa” for help. My Shepherd knows my voice. He knows when I’m in trouble. He runs to my rescue.
Yes, if there is one thing in this life I will always need, it is my Good, Good Shepherd. Thank you, Jesus.
