As a mother, I'm not sure how the end of Isaiah 40:11 has escaped my notice in past readings, but it really seemed to jump out at me this time. As a mother of two little ones, I love the thought of being gently led, especially at the end of a long week.
Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.