What Sheep Know

     I live down the street from a flock of sheep.  They are Churra sheep.  Their wool is prized by Navajo rug weavers.  I visit the sheep when I walk.  I've seen them when they need to be groomed.  They look like puffy pillows on twig legs.  I've seen them after shearing.  They look smaller and somewhat embarrassed.  These are creatures that are literally afraid of their own shadow, but they know something very important.

     Sheep know that they will do better together than on their own.  This is an instinct that comes straight from the Divine.  No matter what the weather, they rest in a heaping snuggle pile.  They are fond of resting their head on the neck or back of the sheep next to them.  They snuggle up.  They doze and snack.  If a new sheep joins the stack, they simply wiggle their way in and sit down.  The flock adjusts accordingly.
     Human beings are not not as flexible or welcoming.  We could be.  We have the resources and unlike sheep, we have intellect and intuition.  If we take the time to be inclusive, the whole group benefits.  There are family members and acquaintances who have a hard time fitting into the group. When we notice this, we can move over a bit.  We can cede some of our space and encourage them.  There may be a time when we're on the outside and that very person makes a space to let us be.  God gives at least one gift to each creature.  The humble sheep can't fly and he doesn't speak, but he knows the value of being inclusive.  We can learn a vital lesson from our timid, woolly friend.