Most sheep will run away once you're within 20 metres of them (or more!). Not our sheep. Our sheep - and not just Smudge - are curious and friendly. They've been raised close to humans and have been fed treats. I like to think that they know that they're not getting eaten so they're more relaxed.
This morning I walked across the sheep paddock to the chapel. I had been away for a week and hadn't visited the sheep since we put Smudge down. I normally greet the sheep verbally (a very general, "Hey hipi/sheep") as I walk. They'll sometimes baa a response or ignore me or occasionally - like today - start running up to me.
The friendlier, more extroverted ones had a cuddle and the others stayed a short distance away. I was amazed at how they wanted to come to me... I've become their shepherd! They even continued to baa when I continued walking and walked right up to the gate I went through. These sheep know my voice.
I thought about John 10 and the "sheep knowing the shepherd's voice." And I pondered, "How much do I run to God as my Shepherd?"
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