Doing My Best to Feed His Sheep

Two years ago the Lord firmly put a desire on my heart that blew my mind: 35 years old and single, still waiting on my future spouse, I felt a growing desire to become a foster parent.

This wasn't part of the plan, I mused. Marriage first, then children by birth or adoption. Why this? Why now? I asked many times in prayer.

This conversation with the Lord continued through the next many months—through a home purchase and renovation, the eventual foster care application and home studies, and meeting actual foster families, learning from them and their journeys.

My silent protests to this calling were always gently rebuked with the same words our Lord gave Saint Peter:

"Feed my sheep" (John 21:17).

Eventually, my heart turned from a place of reluctant opposition to hopeful anticipation. I was struck with such joy when I could find myself saying,

Yes, Lord! You know that I love You. I will do my best to feed Your sheep. Please help me.

Sisters, today we'll feed His sheep in so many ways—in meeting the needs of kiddos, offering words of encouragement to co-workers, welcoming women into Blessed is She small groups. Others of us will feed His sheep by discerning the "big" questions about our vocations. For me, I have no idea if the Lord will eventually bring a foster child into my home . . . maybe fostering is part of His end plan; maybe this discernment is simply one step along the way.

But regardless of outcome, I do know that every invitation from the Lord is worthy of a yes.

Let's pray for a willingness to say yes to feeding His sheep.

Every invitation from the Lord is worthy of a yes.Click to tweet

The historical and symbolic significance of the lamb in Catholicism has deep roots. Did you know this was one of the earliest symbols of Christ?

Karen Schultz hails from the Land of 10,000 lakes, where she is often found in or near one of them. As a doula, lactation educator, and FertilityCare Practitioner, she finds joy in helping women to embrace the gift of their bodies. Downtime is found in quiet adoration chapels, farmers markets and gardens, listening to bluegrass music, and embracing the diversity of Minnesota’s seasons. You can find out more about her here.