It is really amazing what a change of scenery and a change of pace will do for your perspective. Needless to say it was good to get away and to unwind. I understand I’ve missed some heavy duty rainfall – guess I didn’t miss it at all! I did miss Sam though but all is back to normal.

This Sunday we celebrate what is traditionally referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. As you know by now I have a special affinity to this warm and all-embracing image of God. Who of us has not felt lost along the way and in need of finding our way home? The beautiful thing about the lost sheep parable is that the shepherd goes out in search of his lost sheep and when he finds it he carries it tenderly back to the fold where he actually celebrates with his friends that he has found the lost one.

This is a parable similar in nature to the Prodigal Son who likewise is floundering through life; when he realizes the errors of his ways he returns full of regret and penitence only to discover His father coming to meet him with open arms. And again a celebration ensues as the father delights in finding his lost son and welcomes him home.

It is so important for us to always remember this face of God the always forgiving, always compassionate, always loving Father who deeply desires our love and our salvation. May that God ever enfold us!