Thursday, April 30, 2015

The Kindness of the Good Shepherd

"God has entrusted us with his most precious treasure - people.  He asks us to shepherd and mold them into strong disciples, with brave faith and good character."
~ John Ortberg

I recently attended a training for nonprofit volunteers in which one of the speakers said something that I found interesting -- that volunteering is not about "protagonism."  That concept came to mind as I observed a gentleman who led a group on a religious pilgrimage to a country where its citizens are oppressed, and freedom of speech is not enjoyed.  This gentleman was constantly on the lookout for all the members of his group, making sure that they made it through customs, that they stayed with the group and that they eventually all made it back home.  He shared that he feels relief when the U.S.-bound plane takes off.  On a much larger scale, this gentleman is engaged in significant humanitarian work in that country, but he does it all in quiet way with no need to be the protagonist.  Instead, he leads with the patience, compassion and generosity of the Good Shepherd.

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