In ancient times, a shepherd couldn’t clock out. If he ignored his flock for a few days, he would wake up to find them scattered, sick, or eaten by wolves. Today, our “flocks” are our thoughts, our habits, our recovery program, and our relationships.
This is the principle of continued personal inventory. We have to pay attention. We can’t go on autopilot. Recovery is not a destination we arrive at; it’s a garden we tend to. If we stop checking the condition of our heart, resentment creeps in like a wolf. If we stop watching our motives, selfishness scatters our peace.
We focus on our purpose and avoid distractions because attentive stewardship requires focus. Check on your herd daily. Is fear missing? Is anger hiding in the bushes? Pay attention, because what you inspect, you can protect.
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