We have quite a few baby calves around the farm right now. But one pen, here in front of the house, has quite a few calves that are all relatively the same age. Those calves consistently escape to explore and more than once we have had to tell them to get back in that pen!
That pasture is surrounded on two sides by a wooden fence. But on the other two sides, there is only a single strand of hot wire. At this age, the calves are just small enough that they can walk directly under the hot wire without getting shocked. They just walk right out of the pen and get into trouble!
The sun is quickly setting, Most of the work is done. The day is finally ending, And the night is almost come.
The cattle enjoy the last few rays, The grass is green and good. They've barely seen the sun in days, It has rained more than it should.
The farmer filled the rings with hay, The feed has all been eaten. He has worked so hard today, But his list is almost beaten.
Tomorrow will start with its own new list, New days bring their own circumstances. Taking the day with each new twist, Living like there are no second chances.
Getting all in, getting both feet wet; Not just in farm and work, but with God. Each day is on your mark, get set; Remember the way is narrow, not broad.
A farmer always has work at hand, But you and I, as Christians, do as well. Each of us have to follow the command, Our job is to go to all and tell.
This week I had a really fun opportunity to go to a paint party with a friend. Let me be clear, I am not an artist! I can’t even draw a good stick figure! I can’t cut a straight line with scissors and I sure can’t paint one with my shaky hands! So although I was looking forward to having some fun, let’s just say I wasn’t expecting anything worth displaying! We arrived at the location and much to my dismay, there was an outline of the pumpkin and 2 circles on the board! WHAT?!?!? I was expecting the complete outline; I had made this out in my mind to be color by number, and this was not it. Thankfully, the instructor was patient and a really great teacher. Although the painting isn’t nearly as good as the instructor’s, I am quite proud of what I did and will be able to display it and not hide it! Yes, that is my finished product in the pictures above, not the instructor’s. I know you are impressed, NOT! But I came away from that evening with some deep thoughts, of course. It seems like now that God has set me on this journey, everything is turning into a blog post! Ha! At some point, my friend turned and looked at me and said, “You got another blog post developing, don’t you?”
The instructor took a moment to share part of her story and how painting and art was something that she used to relax and just check out a bit. She felt like she could pray and talk with God during that time as well. She spoke of how blessed she was that God had allowed her to hold these classes and share her talent and passion with others. Her business card really struck home to me though. On the back of the card, along with her contact details, was this scripture: “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men,” Proverbs 18:16. I was immediately overcome at that moment, as this is one of my favorite verses. With recent changes in my job, I find myself questioning my own purpose some days. I am loving being at home full time but it has also brought up a few questions. I have been thinking about how I would have any level of influence or interaction when I am at home and most days don’t leave the farm. Now I know what you are thinking, I’m lonely right? Absolutely not! But I am thinking about how I am to carry out my part of the great commission from home! I mean, I can only preach to one child, (most days it’s just me and him), a husband and the animals so much! But as God often does, He answered my thoughtful question and then confirmed it during this paint class. This blog, is the way that I am going to do that! My gift (I am using the ability to write a few paragraphs as a gift, rather loosely! ) has made room for me and I am so thankful that you have taken a moment to read this and hopefully forward it to someone who may need it one day.
Doing a little thinking early in the morning
We are all called to serve. We are all called to go and make disciples. We are all called to be ministers and build up our brothers and sisters in Christ. Most of us will never do that from a stage or from behind a podium. We have to decide to minister from the place we are in and through the gifts that we have. Today, I choose to use the tools that have been placed in my hands to work and serve, just like my painting instructor has chosen to use her paint brush and a canvas. I don’t know where this journey will take me. I don’t know who will go with me or who will be affected. But today, I choose to write as He leads and take the blank canvas in front of me, even if there is hesitancy and the possibility of making a mess, and paint away while trusting the Instructor and the process. In the end, He knows what the final picture will look like and how the product will be used and where it will be displayed. Do you have gifts that you feel are not being used? Are you too questioning your purpose? Ask Him to show you and make room for you. He will, I can promise you that. I will pray for you and that your find your purpose. Will you pray with me with as we begin this journey? (Feel free to email or comment below if you have a specific request for prayer.)
https://www.facebook.com/woodcanvas/
For more information on the paint party I attended and the instructor, follow this link to The Wooden Canvas. https://www.facebook.com/woodcanvas/
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