My little shepherd, who is always looking after my sheep. You herd my children when no one is looking.

My little shepherd who tends to the flock with such compassion. You sit patiently, listening to each of my sheep.

My little shepherd, who silently weeps when my sheep are hurting and in pain. You break off pieces of your own heart to fix theirs.

My little shepherd, who will do anything you possibly can and more just to find the richest oil in the land. With sweat dripping from your brow, you take that exact same oil and gently pour it over my sheep’s head. Still smiling, you take your time to look into each of my sheep’s eyes as you softly caress their head with oil in your hands, doing the exact same thing you learned from your Father.

My strong, little shepherd who will ignore your own needs to take care of my sheep.

My little shepherd, who freely protects my sheep constantly, while you forget you need protection as well.

My little shepherd, who is so caught up in tending to my sheep and being a shepherd that you forget that you have one as well.

My little shepherd, don’t forget that you need to be tend to as well. Don’t forget that you need protection and security as well. Don’t forget that you need to be heard and seen as well. Don’t forget you need to rest peacefully as well.

Don’t forget that you need to be looked in the eyes, with your head in your Father’s hands as oil is being poured over you.

My little shepherd, I am proud of you. You continue to sacrifice and give until you have nothing left. You continue to give your all to my sheep.

But I am proud of who you are and who you are is who I want.

My little shepherd, come to your Big Shepherd. You are safe to be my sheep. Come to me and let me hold you as I pour oil over your head.

Let me be your Big Shepherd for awhile.

Thank you for reading! As ministers, we tend to serve and give until we have nothing left. I pray that this is a reminder that the Lord sees you where you are at. He sees you serving, giving, and sacrificing. He also sees you drained, tired, and exhausted. Do not neglect your own pain or tiredness. Instead, go to your Big Shepherd. He wants to renew your strength.