On the desktop of my computer I have this picture of an eastern shepherd’s fold. It reminds me of my role as a shepherd mother and grandmother. There is only one door to this fold and do you notice that the shepherd sits in that door? He is the guardian. He will allow nothing or no one to come into that fold to harm his flock. We are to be like that shepherd, watching intently over our flock. That means more than physical mothering. It is caring for the spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We don’t do this for wages. The hired wage earner who cares for children may do her best for them, but she does not lay down her life like the true shepherd or mother. Check out John 10:6-15.