John 10:3-4 (NLT) “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.”

The other morning, I was reading in John 10, struggling with this pandemic and what our new normal may look like as we move forward. As the Lord often does, He reached down and touched my heart with a memory.

Two weekends ago, we had a beautiful weekend. A perfect day to get the family out of the house after weeks of isolation. And since springtime in the Rockies likes to tease us with warm weather just before dumping a foot of snow, we decided we’d better enjoy while we had the chance.

We followed my husband’s brother and his family back through forestry trails to an outcropping of boulders to hike and rock climb.

My husband led the way, finding the smoothest way possible to the top.

If we came to a steep spot, he would go first. Then he turned, taking us by the hand to help us up the slope. He made sure we never hit a dead end or a drop off. A couple of times, we waited while he tested a route, making sure it was safe before we followed.

Then we made it to the top. Oh, the view took our breath away. Pikes Peak patched with snow to the East, and the sun dipped into the valleys to the West.

It gave us a fresh perspective. One that infused me with confidence. Somehow, I will make it through this pandemic.

Our shepherd walks ahead of us. Especially through rough terrain.

Like my husband did that day, our Shepherd goes before us. He is reaching out his hand to help pull us over the steep spots. He tells us where the strongest footholds are and where not to grip because it may give way under our weight.

This pandemic has been rough terrain for me as I’m sure it has been for you. I feel the ground slipping under my feet as I see my way of life altering, probably to never be the same again. A new normal.

Between trying to keep my kids on track with online learning, trying to teach online, plus navigating all the information tumbling around me, it can feel like I am losing my way.

But I am not.

We have a Shepherd leading us.

We are not sure how the trail will look as we move forward, but we can follow the One who does.
If we follow His voice, our Shepherd will lead us to the top where the view will change our perspective.

How about you? How do you sense the Lord leading you though this uncharted territory?