Feeding Calves

A whole row of them.
The number as high as 18.
Calves.
It’s that time.
They’re not in their pens yet.

We still need to build them.
There’s so much to be done. 
Each calf needs a bottle.
18 of them.
2 bottles a piece.

We love to have helpers on the farm. 
We’ve had a lot of them lately.

We’re so short on help. 
So, I pitch in.
(Sometimes I think they wish I would stay home. I can be a little needy.)
It was hot and I was sweaty.
The flies hovering and biting my ankles.
That’s the day I choose to feed calves.

But it was beautiful too. 
That farm boy came out to help.
Together we worked.
He makes me laugh.
He has way more patience than I.
We work our way through those babies.
Giving nourishment to the future milking herd.
We want to give them a good start.

I watch that farm boy.
He’s been through a lot.
He’s wrestling with big business decisions.
He’s working hard to find his way.

Much like these calves I have nurtured and cared for this farm boy.
Being careful to provide all he needs.
To guide and support him as he grows.

We work together in silence.
(well when I’m not complaining)

I look around this place.
I don’t know what the future holds.

I do know who holds that future and to Him I yield and trust.

I watch that farm boy.
I watch my farmer and farm niece.
Family.
Working together.

I breathe in the smell of the farm.
A city girl; grown to love this place.

God please guide us and protect us. 
Make this place yours. 
Let us be good Stewards of all that is in our care. 
And let all who come to this place see a glimpse of you.
Let them be refreshed and renewed.