Celebrating 50 years of friendship, my “bestie” and I managed a long planned and much awaited trip to Malta. We had been waiting since before COVID to actually get there, but our plans had constantly been on hold…due to various obstacles in our path. It was a guided tour, with our guide, a lovely Maltese lady called Agnes, leading us around and imparting lots of information, including both past and present history of this Mediterranean island.
We loved seeing all the historic buildings, especially the myriad of churches on this beautiful island, and the coastal views were stunning. However, as a group of around 30, we were a mixed bunch with varying ages, walking abilities and speeds, which Agnes seemed, sometimes, not to fully appreciate, especially when we were on time limited walks.
I totally understand that leading such a group must at times, be like herding cats, keeping us all together. Of course, she knew where she was heading so needed to lead the way.
But, sometimes if felt that with Agnes at the front, she didn’t really know what was going on behind her. Were some of the “dawdlers” getting left behind? Were those taking photos taking too long getting the “perfect” picture (urmm…that might have been me then!!)?
Or should there have been a second guide walking at the back of the group acting as “sweeper upper”? Encouraging those who were finding the pace of the walk a little difficult. It made me think of the times when I have led a pilgrimage, or a walk of witness. Did I stop to consider where it was best to be?
This has led me to reflect on how life leads us on our journey day to day. Sometimes we want to be the leader: knowing where we want to go and planning the route; hoping the people we are leading are following; and being engaged and enthralled with the surroundings en route.
Of course, being a leader has responsibilities. And, sometimes things don’t go the way we planned. The route is not what we expected. At other times I have been happy to be led. Joining in on the journey I had time to look around and admire the view. I could leave the responsibility to someone else. Then there are times when we are the ”sweeper-uper‟, encouraging people to take the next step, or maybe giving them the time to stop and look around them.
As Christians, we firmly believe that God is with us at all times on our journey of faith. He becomes both the leader and the “sweeper-up er‟. He leads us because he wants us to follow the right path, but at those times when we doubt, or are tempted to stray, to keep us on the right path He is also behind us, to encourage us and to hear us when we struggle as the path becomes rough and bumpy.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, both leading his flock on the way they should go and also being behind his flock to protect us, watch over us, and keep us on the right path.
The good news of the gospel is, that if we do wander off, or stray from the path, or feel we are being left behind, He will surely come searching for us and bring us back into the sheepfold, with rejoicing and thanksgiving.
With love and blessings