Have you ever been to the Baltimore Zoo? Not the flamingos, or the new elephant exhibit or even the merry-go-round… but the goat petting corral. Yes. this is where it is at. Did you know they have a goat that can paint? I won’t comment on its talent or the authenticity of his work, but there are numerous paintings hanging in the barn to remind you of this unique talent. So you get to the corral, and after a brief instruction from the staff you walk in, grab a small rubber bristled brush and you can brush the goats. No feeding, no grooming, just brushing.

I know, as a kid, you would put a quarter in the machine and get a handful of pellets to feed to the goats, and you could pet them and ride them, all that stuff.

But these days, we know better. So no more feeding, no more riding or harassing, just some light brushing with vet-approved devices. It’s not unlike the Dolphins at the aquarium. No more dolphin shows for our entertainment, just dolphin exercises for their exercise and enjoyment. Slowly, we are learning to be better shepherds. In this week’s Gospel Jesus talks about the Good Shepherd - one who brings life, and life abundantly.

There is something beautiful about being in that goat corral and it being their space. We come to the gate, and we are only let in if we promise to take care of the sheep (well, goats). In return we get to see them live, play, and yes, even paint. It may seem less fun to not climb on the goats and cheer on the dolphins, but there is some value in being a good shepherd. Because you get to bring life to others.

In a world that is increasingly commodified, extractive and parasitic - there is a lot of value in giving space for life. It is what I love about the goat corral, the dolphin tank, and the Church. We make space for life, abundant, abundant life.

What are ways you bring life to the world? To the city? To your home?