Can we just take a moment to look at this big, beautiful girl? This is Di, one of our cows. She was our daughter’s show cow for a show season 2+ years ago. She is a vital part of our herd. We were blessed to acquire her from our friends at Little Creek Farm. We love her. She is a favorite of ours! Can you tell why?
Now, take a look at this girl. This is Zelma. She is equally as vital and equally as important to our herd and what we are trying to accomplish on our farm through genetics and our program. We love her. She is a favorite also. But why?
To most people, there is no difference between the two. Yes, they have slightly different coloring and size, but most would look at them out in the herd and see them as the same type and breed. They are both red cows with some white on them, right? Most in our circle of cattle breeders wouldn’t see the difference either.
To the highly trained eye though, you would see a minor discrepancy in Di’s pedigree. We raise what is called Fleckvieh Simmental cattle. They are considered to be fullbloods. These cattle are prided on being 100% Fleckvieh Simmental. It just so happens that Di is not 100% Fleck! She is what would be considered a fullblood but since she is only 99% Fleck she wouldn’t be Full Fleckvieh. Gasp! Tragic right? So why keep her in the herd? Why love her?
Despite her genetic status, Di will more than likely remain a part of our herd for all of her days. She is extremely gentle and works easily when put in the chute. She raises a great calf and allows us to broaden our program by using her for Fleckvieh influenced cattle, not just fullbloods. When she stands beside the other cows in the pasture, she knows who’s she is. Others may shy away from the farmer, but not Di. She will come right up to him in the field and you could probably still put a halter on her and walk her around in the show ring to this day. Still, she doesn’t walk around acting like she’s any different from any other cow in the field. She doesn’t care that she’s different or that anyone knows it. Sometimes, she’s so nonchalant that while the other cows are pushing and vying for attention or feed, she will just turn to eating or whatever. She is unconcerned with any pressure to rush to feed or anywhere else. She is relaxed and easy.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes there are moments when the pressures from society and those around me make me feel like less. There are people and things that pressure me and push me down to feel like I don’t quite measure up to everyone else. Sometimes I even add that pressure to myself! God sure knew what we would face when He placed His words in the mouth of the writer, Paul. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV He knew that we would feel the pressure to measure up and fit in.
There are stigmas that can be tied to race and gender for all of us. There are also stigmas attached to working moms and those that stay at home. There are pressures on those that hold themselves and their children to a higher standard than others and the push is there to lower standards and expectations. On a personal level, some may classify me as mean or scary, rigid and uncompromising. Some days I call myself a lot worse and a lot of days I fall victim to every word.
But I am choosing to classify myself as He does and by the descriptions that He calls me. He calls me His child. He calls me friend. He chose me and calls me holy and blameless. He calls me His workmanship with a purpose. He calls me accepted.
Christ is many things and can be described by many characteristics. It is my hope and prayer that I strive more to be like Him. I want to be seen by others, not for my race or my gender, not for my class, job, or my level of expectation, but that others will see me in the same way that the farmer sees the field full of cattle. That is my prayer. When that farmer looks into the field, he sees his cattle. He sees what belongs to him. He sees something that he is happy with. Those cattle hear his voice and they come running. They don’t discriminate on genetics or who has the best pedigree. They all have their purpose in the field. They all have a place.
I want to be seen the same way. I want to be seen for being vital to the Kingdom. I want to be seen for Who’s I am, not who I am or what I am. I want to be seen for my purpose and place. I want to be seen for His character, not my own.
Yes, it’s funny, I am comparing myself to a cow. I want to be like Di, confident in Who’s I am and okay with playing my part. It wouldn’t hurt for us all to take some lessons from her and her fellow cows in the field. We could all learn to be less concerned with others and their opinions and their labels. I’m taking my lesson and going to live like Di. I’m going to live like Christ, and in that is peace and rest and joy in knowing Who’s I am.
Many times we forget or I know I do of who I am. We are bought with a price, we are his workmanship. We need to remind ourselves of this daily. Just like his mercies are new everyday, we need to remember we are his, and he is ours.
Yes! Daily reminding!