It’s lambing season here in the Central Valley. I love driving out in the country and seeing the lambs frolicking with the flock. There’s something so sweet about those little lamb faces. Sheep in a pasture, especially with those precious lambs, just epitomize the absence of stress, the presence of peace. And peace is part of inspiration—both come from God.
One with the sheep
There have been times when I’ve been driving on a country road and had to stop as a flock of sheep crossed the road in front of me. Actually, I shouldn’t say in front of me, because they sort of flow around the entire car, crossing the road in front and behind like water breaking around a rock in a creek. It’s no use being impatient, because they go at the shepherd’s pace. All the sheep make it across eventually, just maybe not in the timeframe you envision.
The first time I ever experienced that was when we drove my sister to Idaho for college back in the last century. 😉 It was an idyllic setting, and the sheep were part of the lush, scenic landscape. They surged around our car as one fluffy entity, packed shoulder to shoulder and head to tail. The sheep brought us right into the middle of the peaceful landscape. I loved being in the midst of the flock as they crossed, and I still think it’s the coolest! I kind of have a thing for sheep. And for peace. You can take the stress, just give me the peace!
When I visited my daughter in Brisbane, Australia, a few years ago, we visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I was very excited at the opportunity to hold an actual Koala! We were also able to pet kangaroos, as we had at the Australia Zoo. Those were thrills of a lifetime!
Related post: Inspired to Laugh out Loud
How do they do that?
But before we got to the koalas, we stopped to watch an impressive demonstration of Australian kelpies working with a flock of sheep. Have you ever heard or seen anything about kelpies? They are herding dogs, with the natural instinct to take care of the flock. Kelpies need little to no direction from the shepherd, and they were beautiful to watch doing their job. These dogs herded those sheep in one direction and then the other, up the chute and out again, and finally into a pen. It was fascinating, informative, and fun!
Across their backs, of course!
I think one of the most captivating things I learned is that kelpies can walk or run across the backs of the sheep. It’s called “sheep backing,” and it’s a natural behavior for most kelpies, although some training may be needed. “Our” shepherd was training a young dog to walk across the sheep that day. The kelpie kept slipping off, finding himself on the ground with the sheep as they calmly ignored his presence in their midst. They knew they had nothing to fear from him, and nothing disturbed their peace.
But that courageous dog got right back up and continued sheep backing. In case you’re wondering, like I was, why they do this, the answer is simple: to get to the other side! When sheep are tightly packed together, jumping onto their backs and walking across the sea of wool is the fastest way for these dogs to get past them.
Sheep backing 
Down he goes! 
and right back up!
The Good Shepherd
Sheep get a bad rap sometimes. But I don’t think it’s inconsequential that sheep are greatly honored in God’s Word. John called Jesus the Lamb of God. And Peter talks of our being redeemed by “the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:19). He was the perfect sacrifice.
Jesus himself said, “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:3-8).
The shepherd’s voice
I’ve seen a video of several different shepherds calling a flock of sheep to come to them. The sheep were blissfully oblivious to anyone even being near, as shepherd after shepherd tried to get their attention. Then their shepherd came and called them, and they immediately ran to him. I love when we can see clearly the point Jesus makes and can understand how His sheep listen to and follow Him. They don’t listen to any other voices that may try to pull their attention away from their Shepherd.
For He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Psalm 95:7
It’s hard to think of sheep without thinking of the Good Shepherd. I just wish I were good at using metaphors like Jesus was. Is there a metaphor for the lambs frolicking with their momma sheep? Or finding yourself patiently waiting while a whole flock of sheep engulfs your car in wool? How about the dogs walking across the backs of the sheep? Why don’t you try—drop a metaphor or lesson from the lambs and the sheep in the comments below. And so you don’t miss any posts—please subscribe and I’ll email you. You never know what I’ll be posting about next week!