I have never been a shepherd, and never taken care of sheep. However, as I examined the previous list of three qualities of a shepherd from Scripture, I realized that, of all the people I have known over the years, the one who best exemplifies a shepherd heart is Ruby Swanson, my wife. Three characteristics best summarize her: a love for God, contentment with things (she is very hard to buy for), and a deep desire to serve others. These are indeed the marks of a shepherd, surrendered to God, satisfied with things, selfless servant to others. I have never been a shepherd, and never taken care of sheep. However, as I examined the previous list of three qualities of a shepherd from Scripture, I realized that, of all the people I have known over the years, the one who best exemplifies a shepherd heart is Ruby Swanson, my wife. Three characteristics best summarize her: a love for God, contentment with things (she is very hard to buy for), and a deep desire to serve others. These are indeed the marks of a shepherd, surrendered to God, satisfied with things, selfless servant to others. Our teenage son Paul is a special needs child (see gallery). He cannot talk or feed himself or dress himself or signal a need to use the toilet. He can walk and communicate in general ways. And he surely can flirt with his big blue eyes! Paul is now taller than his mother and is a handful to care for. My wife cares daily for Paul without complaint. Recently the rest of the family took a trip east and I stayed home to care for Paul. After a week, I listed words that described my day in the morning and evening when just Paul and I were in the house: quiet (noise but no conversation) lonely unfulfilling (especially changing diapers for a teen!) uncreative frustrating These are words that must have described David's life as he cared for his father's sheep on the hills of Bethlehem. I did a little parallel list using experiences with Paul, and phrases from Psalm 23. Here are a few: I shall not want- Paul is content with being warm and fed and likes wrappings and strings as much as the present inside. He makes me to lie down. . . Paul must be covered several times in the night because he rolls and can't cover himself. Therefore, he sleeps on a single bed right beside us. He restores my soul Paul must be changed sometimes twice in the night, along with his sheets and clothes. He leads me in the right paths Hold Paul's hand or he will go into the road or pick up rocks and eat them. I will dwell in the house. . .forever The other children will grow up and leave, but Paul will be with us for good! As I thought on this list, I suddenly realized that Paul is just a small child in a big body. All faithful mothers who care for their small children can find the exact same parallel. God bless you mothers, for laying down your lives for your little sheep. The chief Shepherd will one day reward you abundantly!