The Shepherd

By William Blake

How sweet is the shepherd's sweet lot!
From the morn to the evening he strays;
He shall follow his sheep all the day,
And his tongue shall be filled with praise.

For he hears the lambs' innocent call,
And he hears the ewes' tender reply;
He is watchful while they are in peace,
For they know when their shepherd is nigh.

I just read this poem in one of my homeschooling magazine and while I love this picture of homeschooling I was also struck by it. I, as mom and teacher, am the shepherd and my sweet kiddos are the sheep. I follow my sheep, my innocent lambs, all day. I must nurture, care for, protect, and watch over them. My tongue should be filled with praise, but I know I fail at this more often than I care to admit. My prayers for this school year are that I will have patience, that I will manage my time wisely, and that I will be the shepherd my children need. I pray that my sheep know that I am always near and that I love them more than words can say.