The Herding Instinct

You never know when you will be leading a stream of people along the path of life. Many people have a strong herding instinct.  Others seem to stay on the fringe of their herd, ready to step in new directions.

Just as a flock of sheep will begin to move if even one or two begin to step out, so will groups of people begin to move if someone takes the lead.

Following the herd may not always be in our best interests, at least in terms of the voices of the world. Consider this:  the worlds of politics, marketing and merchandising rely upon the tendency to follow the group. Sometimes a huge wave of movement results from a single well crafted advertisement of some new or improved commodity. Attitudes, trends and styles all can be guided and manipulated.  All it takes sometimes, is to attract the attention of one or two, and the herd will follow (often without a thought!)

Jesus said that God's voice calls to each of us by name. Some may be more attuned to that voice than others, depending upon situations and responsiveness. If we incline our ear, seeking the voice of Love and Truth, Jesus, the Good Shepherd will not lead us astray. He went before us over 2000 years ago, leading the way for us to follow, living a life of abundant peace, justice and love.

I realize today that my actions and the demeanor with which I move through the world may have a dramatic effect upon one or more who might be on the brink of following me or joining the "herd", the community of faith.

As I follow the Good Shepherd, do I move along with gentleness and joy? Do I express contentment and a trusting spirit? When others see me in their midst, what voice do they hear through my actions?

I pray that I may find the words to invite the "other" to move closer to Christ. I am reminded that actions generally speak more loudly than words. Therefore, my prayer goes beneath my words to my body language, my countenance, my gestures and even my glance.

Does the way I move through the moments of my day serve as an amplification of the voice of the Good Shepherd who leads me (and through me, others) to safe pastures?