Sheep and humans have long been compared and are considered similar in many ways. Modern science indicates that while significantly smaller, a sheep’s brain shares remarkable similarities to a human brain. In addition, spinal length, larynx, and social behavior are also so similar that sheep are frequently used in research studies involving humans. Back in 2008, the University of Leeds conducted a research study on Flock Mentality and concluded that humans flock like sheep! Their study showed that it takes a minority of less than 5% to influence a crowd’s direction, and then the other 95% will follow. No wonder the Bible mentions sheep more often than any other animal!
We all think of different things when we think about sheep. For me, I think about an incredible experience I had when dozens upon dozens of sheep unexpectedly surrounded me while I was hiking in an Alpine meadow.
My story began when I heard the sound of a whistle. Looking around, I was stunned to discover a massive herd of sheep rushing towards me. They came directly at me and then skirted around me as if I were a lone pole standing in the middle of their meadow! Left in awe, I began to perceive them as messengers, and this is what the core of my being heard them say: “Good day, my friend! We are happy to greet you. Please know that we are honored to share so many aspects of life with you and your human friends. However, there is one VERY important difference that we are here to clarify. You see, humans have an extra special gift, a Divine gift containing powerful seeds of freedom and creativity. Many call this gift FREE WILL, and it embodies the incredible ability to think, reason, and make your own choices. Thus, Flock Mentality may unify us, but it is your Free Will that totally sets you apart! We know from experience that there have been many bad shepherds in this world, so we advise you to use your Free Will to seek and find the Good Shepherd. Once you have found Him, you will no longer need to worry about outward circumstances, for a Good Shepherd will always lead you to green pastures! Again, you are blessed to be able to choose your own Shepherd, but remember, it is up to you to choose wisely!”
Now, days, weeks, and months later, I remain indebted to my sheep friends. I thank them for noting our shared Flock Mentality and emphasizing how it impacts all of our behaviors. However, I am especially grateful for their wise reminder that it is my responsibility to daily choose who and what I allow to shepherd my life. I thank them for clarifying the importance of this choice and for reminding me that when I choose a Good Shepherd, they will always lead me to green pastures!
P.S. Below is a picture of my favorite Tatra Sheepdog. We became instant friends, and I couldn’t help but share the beauty of his heart!
