Being a good Shepherd

These are some thoughts I wrote down awhile ago, I am revisiting them as I pray for the Lord's strength and guidance as I walk this road of motherhood. I had been meditating on Psalm 23 and parenting.



Psalm 23 and Parenting:



1. Quiet rest: He leads me beside still waters, and green pastures.
A place to let them be who they are, love, listen, talk rest, touch, and show compassion. A place that is not too busy, a nourishing place with time together, meals together. A peaceful home and a peaceful mom. Also, literal food and rest, how often I expect too much out of a tired or hungry child.

2. Train in Righteousness: He guides me in paths of righteousness.
Gently show them God, immerse them in His beauty, majesty, and love. Pray, read, discuss. The Bible, great books, nature, talk and listen.

3. Walk the road with them: Even though I walk through the valley…you are with me.
Walk gently with compassion, this is discipleship, not running ahead, hands on hips –impatiently saying “Will you get it already??” When they are upset about something, feel it with them, when they are wrestling, wrestle with them. It is so disheartening to think that no one understands you. Walk beside, help, hold their hands through their struggles and listen.

4. Fill their cups: My cup overflows.
Let them overflow with mercy, goodness and love. What do they love? Try to love it. Listen wholeheartedly, praise them, give them comforts, warm cookies, a favorite meal. A smile, laugh with them, again LISTEN! Make them feel comforted.
Hug, touch , kiss them.



5. Prepare: You prepare a table for me.
Prepare them for life, in God’s kingdom, as the world looks on. Give them what they need, not what the world thinks they need. Choose wisdom over knowledge. Give them what the Lord shows me they need, not what everyone else is doing. Teach them. Train them. Each child is different, what Davis needs Anna may not need, seek God for what that unique and special child's needs.

6. Protect: In the presence of my enemies.
Hem them in with loving boundaries, they truly are a comfort. Protect them lovingly, gently. Pray and intercede for them. The boundaries will not be burdensome if their cups are filled.
All of this is to be done with gentleness, love, and delight in abundance.




I look at this and say “I cannot do this Lord there are too many needs pressing on me, I am too selfish, there are too many of them. "Only you, Lord, can take this small offering and make it an abundance. Help me to walk this path of motherhood to your glory and in your strength not my own. Thank you for each lamb you have put in my pasture. Thank you that you are the Good Shepherd. The sheep know you and your voice; help me to know your voice and obey.