Good Morning!

It’s a brisk 32 degrees this morning, maybe even colder now that the sun is coming up. The momma cows are still hollering after having their babies separated and weaned. The calling geese pierce the stillness and there are steam piles rising from the wheat in the pasture where the horses have meandered. 

Almost certain the jet-like flock were teal that flew past right at sunrise, I would have loved to snapped a picture, but they were too fast and one hand was busy bottle feeding a lamb while the other wrapped around my insulated coffee mug. 

The rooster calls everyone to work as he finally herds his girls from their roost. Every day starts the same for them. There’s no days off for the animals. 

As the sun begins to lift over the tree line, I can see the glistening of a light frost on the grass; the “glitter” left by the clouds that slept there but have since gone on their way. Nary a cloud as far as I can see has hung back to muddle this beautiful morning. 

My fingers beg to be tucked into the pockets of my thick robe. I clench my fists to circulate the blood flow and keep going. I have to get these words on a page...if for nothing else but to document a memory.

Why wouldn’t I want to share this?

Someone out there in cyberland needs to know there is life other than concrete and windows. Sirens and traffic. Smog and blank faces…

Days go by that the only faces I see are hairy...and that is one hundred percent okay with me. Animals don’t judge me, they rely on me and trust me. As our relationship grows, we gain an understanding and I know they won’t forget me, and in turn they know I won’t forget them. Recognizing my voice they greet me with happiness no matter what mood I’m in or what time of day it is. We work together. It truly is a beautiful give and take.

Time and patience return faithfulness and respect. Discipline and structure give back trust and love. 

The babies I rear with a bottle and time need reassurance that they aren’t forgotten and that they are loved. They need attention and care or they will cease the desire to live. 

There’s a satisfaction to having an animal lay it’s head in your lap or lean into the scratches you give...there’s a peace and comfort that comes with a lamb sleeping at your feet or a tubby puppy curling up beside you. A giggle escapes my heart each time my calf runs alongside me on the way to the barn. Although my crazy cat attacks anyone who enters my home, he sleeps on my feet purring every night. There is comfort in that. 

Knowing that I can be a support or a calm presence to the ones I care for makes me feel needed. Having them depend on me for their needs makes me feel important. Hearing them call to me lets me know I’m valued. Their acceptance of my affection and love, makes me feel loved. 

There’s a reason that we are compared to sheep. We need a shepherd. As humans we are created to need help, to crave attention, to seek comfort and to feel loved. Our hearts need peace in knowing that we aren’t forgotten. Our minds need knowledge that we have a purpose and our souls need comfort that we are loved. 

Don’t you know that’s how God has to feel? Surely He loves to hear us call to Him. He loves to have us lay at His feet and seek His comfort, acceptance and love...I know He loves me a thousand times more than I love these animals, so it’s not unrealistic to think how much it gives Him joy to have me seek Him for everything.

I have the amazing opportunity to see the world come to life in my little place on the earth with these eyes, this mind, a full heart and frozen fingers...and it makes me want to share it with the world! 

I have a shepherd. He provides for my every need. I know I have purpose in this life I live. He carries me when I’m weak, nourishes me with His word, reassures me with His voice and loves me with His life. There is no denying these things. I see it all everywhere I look, and I feel it every moment. 

As the sun finally blasts it’s fiery orange light past the trees and onto my face, I can see the silhouette of the horses grazing, hear the chirping of happy birds and watch the baby lambs jumping and playing among the chickens while they’re busy scratching around for food. 

It’s another glorious day and I intend to make it the best I possibly can. 

Going from door to door isn’t logical these days, but I can type...and I can throw this out there for anyone who cares to come upon it to read...and I can pray that you can feel the same feels that I do, even stronger than than I do, because I chose to share, and you chose to read.