The Littlest Lamb

Every morning, the kind shepherd woke up early to care for his sheep. He loved each and every one of them.

He counted them every single day. One, two, three... all the way to one hundred! He knew each sheep by name.

The littlest lamb was named Woolly. She had the curliest wool and the most curious eyes in the whole flock.

While the other sheep were happy eating grass, Woolly always wondered what was beyond the meadow. What adventures were waiting out there?

The shepherd gave Woolly extra love. 'Stay close, little one,' he would say. 'I'll always keep you safe.'

The shepherd led his flock to cool, fresh water. He made sure every sheep had enough to drink.

One sunny afternoon, Woolly saw the most beautiful butterfly she had ever seen! Its wings sparkled like jewels.

'Wait for me!' Woolly called, hopping after the butterfly. She didn't notice she was leaving the flock behind.

The butterfly led Woolly to a magical field of flowers! 'Oh my!' gasped Woolly. 'It's so beautiful here!'

Woolly danced and played among the flowers. She was having so much fun!

But then the butterfly flew high, high up into the sky. 'Goodbye, little lamb!' it seemed to say as it disappeared.

Woolly looked around. Where was Mama? Where was the shepherd? She couldn't see the flock anywhere!

'Maaaa!' Woolly called out. But no one answered. She tried to remember which way she had come.

Woolly walked and walked, but everything looked strange. She came to a dark forest she had never seen before.

Woolly felt scared. The forest looked so big and dark. 'I want to go home,' she whispered.

She tried a different way and found a rocky path. Her little legs were getting tired from climbing over the big stones.

'Hello!' said a small voice. A friendly rabbit hopped out from behind a rock. 'Are you lost, little lamb?'

'I can't find my shepherd,' Woolly sniffled. 'Try going toward that big hill,' said Rosie kindly. 'Good luck!'

But on the way, Woolly got caught in a thorny bush! The more she wiggled, the more stuck she became.

'Help! Help!' Woolly cried. But she was all alone. Tears rolled down her woolly cheeks.

Back at the meadow, the shepherd was counting his sheep. 'Ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine...' He stopped. Someone was missing!

'Where is Woolly?' the shepherd asked. Mama Sheep bleated sadly. The littlest lamb was gone!

The shepherd made up his mind. He would leave the ninety-nine safe sheep and search for his one lost lamb. He loved her that much.

'Woolly! Woolly!' the shepherd called. He searched through the flower field, looking behind every bush.

Scout found Woolly's scent! 'Good boy!' said the shepherd. They followed the trail toward the dark forest.

The shepherd didn't hesitate. Even though it was getting dark, he kept searching. Nothing would stop him from finding Woolly.

'Wise owl,' called the shepherd, 'have you seen a little lamb?' Oliver hooted softly from his branch.

'I heard a small voice crying,' hooted Oliver. 'Follow the rocky path toward the brambles.' The shepherd thanked him and hurried on.

The shepherd climbed over the big rocks. His feet slipped but he didn't give up. 'I'm coming, Woolly!' he called.

Then he heard it - a tiny, scared 'Baaaa!' His heart leaped. 'Woolly! I hear you!'

The shepherd pushed through the thorny bushes until he found her. 'Woolly! There you are, my precious little lamb!'

Very gently, the shepherd untangled her wool from the thorns. 'Don't worry, little one. I've got you now.'

He lifted Woolly up and held her close. She snuggled into his warm cloak. 'I was so scared,' she whispered.

'I will always come find you,' said the shepherd softly. 'You are so important to me. I love you.'

The shepherd carried Woolly on his shoulders all the way home. She was too tired to walk, and he didn't mind at all.

'Mama!' cried Woolly. She ran to her mother and they nuzzled together. 'My baby! You're safe!' Mama Sheep cried happy tears.

All the sheep gathered around Woolly. They were so happy she was home! Everyone bleated and celebrated together.

The shepherd smiled the biggest smile. Finding Woolly made him happier than anything. His whole flock was together again!

'Do you know why I searched so hard?' the shepherd said. 'Because every single one of you matters to me.' Woolly understood. She felt so loved.

Just like the shepherd loved his littlest lamb, God loves each one of us. No matter where we go, He will always come to find us and bring us home.