I'm Just One of the Ninty and Nine

 

Sheep show up in the scriptures a lot. Christ describes one parable in particular where a shepherd has 100 sheep and leaves the 99 in search of one that wanders away. We often talk about "the lost sheep" and the very real need to seek them out and rescue them.

But in all honesty, I never have been and hope never to be the One. There is a song I like by an artist named Michael McLean called "Ninty and Nine" where he beautifully describes the life of the imperfect but trying 99. I heard the song years ago and it really resonated with me. I was reminded of it again tonight by a friend. Below I've included some of the lyrics. I just love how attentive Jesus Christ is to me, even one of the ninty and nine and how special I am even when there isn't much that I feel makes me stand out or call attention. My favorite line is "Have you any idea how brightly you shine?" It is easy as a busy stay-at-home mom to feel like I'm just one of the crowd, nothing special. But that line. That line "have you any idea how brightly you shine?" Even if the only people who see me shine are the three little boys who most brighten my world, it is all worth being one of the 99.

I am one of the ninety and nine
I’m not perfect but basically I’m doing fine
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I am here in the heart of the fold
I’m not mindless but I try to do as I’m told
I’m not tempted to run and become the lost one
I am here in the heart of the fold

...

I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line
I’m not one he must seek; I’m not all that unique
I’m just one of the ninety and nine

...
(The Savior speaking)
You are one of the ninety and nine
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold, and it’s time you are told
That I know where you’ve been so I know where you’ll be
Because all of your life you’ve been following me
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine

You are mine, you are mine, you are mine
You are mine

I am one of the ninety and nine.