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Good evening, little lambs. Tonight's story is called The Job That Wasn't Too Far, inspired by the Gospel of Matthew 10 1 7. And so tonight our story comes from the morning Jesus began calling his friends by name and giving each one a job that was truly, really theirs, not because they were big enough or brave enough already, but because he trusted them and he promised to teach them as they went. Tonight, on Shepherd's Hill, it's Bramble's turn to learn that even the smallest helper can carry something that matters. The morning was cool and bright, the grass still silver with dew, when Jesus called the whole flock together by the low stone wall near the fire circle. I have jobs today, he said, smiling around at all of them. Real jobs for real helpers, and I know exactly who each of you is. He called Biscuit first, her golden tuft bouncing with excitement. Biscuit, you're quick and brave. Will you check the far fence for any lamb who's wandered too near the woods? She was off before he finished the sentence. He called Clover next gently. Clover, old Marigold has been feeling low today. Will you sit with her a while? Clover's clover sprig lifted proudly as she nodded. He gave Cedar the counting of the water troughs, and quiet Matt the watching of the littlest lambs at play, a job that suited his careful, noticing eyes. Bramble stood at the very back, the smallest lamb in the whole flock, sure she'd be told to simply stay and rest. She always was. Bramble, Jesus said. She startled. He knew her name. I have a job for you too. Me? Bramble's voice came out smaller than she meant it to. But I don't know how to do anything important yet. Jesus knelt down so they were eye to eye. I'm not asking you because you already know how. I'm asking because I trust you, and I'll be teaching you the whole way there. Do you remember the little one in the lambing barn? The one whose first cry we all heard drifting across the meadow the night she was born? Bramble nodded. Wren She's restless this morning, missing her mother's rocking. Go sit with her. Hum the little tune old woolly hums by the fire. Stay close. That's the whole job. That's it? Bramble asked. That's not far at all. It doesn't have to be far to matter, Jesus said. Some of the most important helping happens closest to home, with the ones already near you, and if she's frightened in the dim barn light, you can tell her what's true. She is not alone. God is near, right here, right now, with her and with you. Bramble walked to the barn on legs that felt wobblier than usual. Inside Wren was fussing, tiny hooves kicking at the straw, her curly ears twitching with every small sound. Bramble almost turned around. Then she remembered. I'll be teaching you the whole way there. She sat down close, the way Jesus said, and hummed the tune, quietly at first, then steadier. You're not alone, she whispered, the way he'd told her. I'm right here, and so is he. Slowly, Wren's kicking hooves stilled. Her eyes grew heavy. By the time old Wooly peeked in, worried about his granddaughter's fussing, he found her fast asleep, curled against small bramble, who was still humming just in case. Well now, old Wooly said softly, eyes shining, look who Wren found to watch over her. That evening, gathered warm around the fire, Jesus looked at each tired, happy face. Today I called every one of you by your own true name and gave you a job that was really yours. Not one of you had to already be big enough or ready enough. I sent you anyway, and I was with you the whole time. And notice this, none of you had to travel far. The ones who needed you most were already close to home. Bramble, still humming faintly under her breath, felt something warm settle in her chest, something that felt a great deal like being chosen. And so tonight we learned that Jesus knows each of us by name, and he has real work for us too. Not because we're already big enough, brave enough, or grown up enough, but because he trusts us and stays right beside us while we learn. And most often, the person who needs our kindness most isn't far away at all. Is there someone close to you tonight, at home or right down the road, who could use a little of your kindness tomorrow? Dear Jesus, thank you for knowing my name and trusting me with real things to do. Help me notice the people close to me who need my kindness. Stay near me tonight and near everyone I love. Amen. Good night, little lamb. God loves you so much. Sweet dreams.