In 2021, a group kayaking off the coast of Scotland noticed a lone sheep at the bottom of a steep slope on an isolated, rocky beach. The creature followed them along the shoreline, plaintively bleating as they glided past.

Sheep can become cast on their backs in several ways, and so can we. In the spiritual realm, casting is a state of being discouraged in one’s soul.

We don’t develop separation anxiety - we are born with it. But the unease and stress that comes when we lose earthly loves – not just people, but beloved pets and even treasured comfort objects – illuminates our most significant need and longing.

Like waves of water and light, our words and actions have consequences. They ripple forward, but thankfully, also backward - all the way to the cross.

Fear can wreck our empathy and derail our compassion. I wonder what would have become of us if Jesus had been too afraid to show compassion…if He had not gone to the cross.