As I write this blog, I must tell you...I am not Dan Dixon, and am not the author of "A Shepherds Care" (as posted in Edification-daily devotionals). I am actually Dan's nephew; Josh Smith. My Uncle Dan, asked me several weeks ago to "help" him publish his weekly newspaper articles onto "The E-Bay", (sometimes he refers to the "Internet" as "E-Bay), but I know what he means.
I've helped Uncle Dan set-up a profile and account here, and am slowly "Shepherding" him on how to use E-bay....I mean (Internet)...
My Uncle Dan has been a huge part of my life. Like a Father to me in many ways, and a very consistent source of spiritual guidance. I have fond memories of watching Uncle Dan speak at our local church, and I especially enjoyed his "flanelgraph" teachings. Proverbs 22:6
My Uncle Dan's guidance was vital to my up-bringing, and in creating the man, Father and Husband I am today. Jer 3:15
So, I am slightly surprised that I now have the responsibility to "Shepherd" Uncle Dan a bit. Lately, roles have reversed. No, I am not Shepherding him spiritually, but rather I am teaching him to maneuver thru the world of the Internet...
This funny experience has caused me to contemplate a few things. Uncle Dan was (and is) such a solid source of positive influence, patience and honesty for me in every situation. I must now be these exact things to him. The normal roles of leadership have reversed throughout this quest to conquer the "E-bay" (Internet). Proverbs 27:17.
However, I believe that I have the more difficult task ahead, in trying to explain (via long-distance phone call), the location of the letter "R" on his key-board, so he can type a message.
"Shepherding" a 62 year old man to use the Internet (e-bay if you ask him) for the first time, is funny and a great source for joking among my wife and two boys (8 and 11), whom can both already write basic programing into a lap-top.
Uncle Dan is old-school in many ways, and that is exactly what I love about him. He will never waste an opportunity to preach ever so simply, Christ crucified, and the precious blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for us.
My experience in helping Uncle Dan lately has got me to thinking. While I am patiently (yet frustratingly) leading him to the letter "R" on his key-board..., our Lord and Saviour is patiently, (and with exceeding joy) leading us daily to the Cross thru His word. It would seem such a simple task to lead someone to the letter "R" on a key-board, but progress seems slow. How does our Saviour view us when we begin to wander from His simple directions? Does He get frustrated, or laugh? He keeps knocking at our hearts door right? He knows what is best for us, and will continue to lead us to it. Opportunity upon opportunity, He will present. Sometimes we can't see the bigger picture, or understand "why", but our faith in Jesus Christ keeps us searching for that letter "R", and as our relationship grows, it becomes quicker to find, and easier to press.
Uncle Dan has been a great student. He knows that the Internet (e-bay), can be a great tool for his ministry. He doesn't know exactly how, or where to go, or even how to type, but he does know that by asking for help, and searching out solutions, and inviting Jesus and his brother in Christ into the matter, he will (thru Christ) reach out with his message, and glorify God.
When we are searching for the letter "R"'s of our life,(and hindered by all of those buttons in the way), we must be humble, invite Jesus into the quest, and know that we are strengthened thru our brothers and sisters in Christ.
My experience in helping my Uncle Dan has made me laugh, grow in my own faith, and spend valuable time with a shepherd of the Lords will. Uncle Dan may have difficulty finding the "R" on his key-board, yet beyond the frustration, he trusts I can help him achieve the bigger picture. This is how my personal Saviour teaches me. The Christian walk can be difficult in finding our way, yet we trust that He whom has all power and knowledge (God), sees the end result, and patiently guides us to our keys, void of frustration, and full of love. By the way, he doesn't guide us via a long distance phone call. He guides us from within our very souls. Mark 1:8. Imagine the strength and effectiveness of the Holy Spirit if we listen and are willing. Uncle Dan, thank you for the opportunity to humorously learn and contemplate at your expense. To my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, thank you for this Shepherd called "Uncle Dan". Yet, most of all thank you for the offer of personal relationship with your Son Jesus Christ...at His life's expense. John 3:16

Love in Christ- Josh