RicelandMeadows

June 17, 2022

I built this little amusement ride for our hens. This flock of young pullets sit on it and even take it for a spin now and then. Our old flock were afraid of the strange contraption made from a bicycle wheel. The new gals however see it as a challenge and something to do.

Once in a while, we all find ourselves on life’s treadmill, just grinding away each day as if stuck in a rut. This is when we need to stop, take a look around us and just be thankful. When we pause, if only for a few minutes, things become clearer. Our focus will shift away from ourselves and the mundane. We can reflect on others and their problems and accomplishments.

This is graduation open house season. We are offered a chance to congratulate a young person and offer suggestion and guidance. They are about to embark on their life’s journey. Some young folks will have a plan all worked out. Others will have no idea where they are headed, they just know they are headed away from the status quo. Away from mom and dad and childhood responsibilities, where life offers freedom. All of us fit into one of those categories.

I remember having big plans. I remember running towards freedom with those big plans, hopes and dreams. I remember too getting smacked in the face with bigger responsibilities and reality. I floundered for a bit. I dug myself out. I hurt a few people along the way. I finally discovered what I had probably always known, life for me, needs to be simple.

By simple, I mean without glitz and glamour. I don’t need, nor do I want, late nights in the big city, people pushing and shoving me literally or figuratively. I thrive on peace, contentment and perhaps the mundane. I enjoy this life of farming, being surrounded by nature and all of its wonder. There is beauty everywhere that I look. We need to remember that when we pause, God speaks to our hearts. Our hearts will let us know if we are doing the right things, hanging out with the right people or following the right dream.

The Bible tells us that “Man plans his way, but God directs his steps.” It took me a while to understand this and even longer to go with what my heart told me. I was stubborn and willful thinking that I was in charge of my destiny. I plunged into what I thought were great plans. I pushed myself hard, right up against the brick wall of life, but then thankfully, I paused. It all became crystal clear.

As I rest in the barn listening to the animals chew, or sit on the seat of the plow and listen to birds singing I realize that this is what I was born to do. I was made to steward the land, care for animals and share my experiences with others. I help them learn. I offer suggestion based upon my experiences. I nurture, I care and I am filled with peace.

As you talk with the young men and women over a piece of graduation cake, listen to them and share with them. Listen to the excitement in their voices and share what you know. Planting seeds of encouragement will go a long way. You never know just how far your kind words may take someone. Like a ripple on a pond, the little wave eventually reaches the other shore. Be the ripple in someone’s pond. Who knows, you may help them find the way off of life’s treadmill and on to the path of their true destiny.