Saturday, December 17, 2011

Those In Need

I left the farm at 4:30 am to assist with the care of a dear mentor who is sick in bed and has a large flock of sheep who needs tending. When I arrived home two hours later my furry family members had finally gotten their butts up and to the fence line to complain that their food was not waiting for them. I told them last night while filling their bellies that I would have to change our routine a bit but like many in the world they can only see "What Their Needs Are" and not sometimes the larger picture.. Not as if they will starve, not as if I would go back to bed and pull the covers over my head which I admit there was a tiny part of me who would have loved too, but instead all they could see is how this act of kindness for another was putting a crinkle in their day. Silly Goats!!! Silly Folks!!!

During this holiday season when ideas of perfection are running us ragged with the theme of what you must unwrap under your tree or what food you must eat at your table or how many parties you can cram into one day - I hope we can see the bigger picture and step outside our own needs and think of those who are truly in need of our gifts of time and talents even if they are just putting hay in feeders, water into buckets and bring a pot of home cooked soup.

Today is another work filled day here - the weather is to be in maybe the 50's so that means getting my butt outside to get ahead of outside work before the next storm. In my heart this is the true meaning of what I do - giving my time to make sure those who can not do for themselves will be comfortable, safe and without fear of Mother Natures cruel weather.

So as I take a moment to write this post I have poured me a cup of two day old coffee that I warmed in the microwave, changed into fresh long johns ready for my farm chore clothes and dug out some Rocking Tunes to add some spark to this tired bag of bones. I will get ready to enjoy the day that was given me. While shoveling poop and moving hay I give thanks that I have one more day to care for those who depend on my small talents and who appreciate a hug to two.

Go out today and make it of service to another - it is a gift that does not need wrapping except with your love and good wishes.

5 comments:

Ngo Family Farm said...

So beautiful Grace, and so true! You captured the holiday spirit perfectly. I hope your friend feels better soon.
-Jaime

Sheri said...

Amen, Grace. It says it all. Good healing thoughts for your friend. I hope your back is feeling better. Enjoy those warm temps for me...

Candy C. said...

What a wonderful thing you did helping out your friend! You are truly a special lady dear Grace!

Unknown said...

Good to hear you are out & about & that you are so willing to help a friend in need...such a wonderful thing for you & her. You are so right about this time of the year i think thats one of the reasons I enjoy celebrating Yule instead of the whole Christmas thing...The demands of Christmas are just sooo tiring for so many who want the 'perfect' day...Like you a perfect day is when my 'kids' run to me for their treats, cluck/talk to me while I check on them...they don't care if their warm oatmeal has a pretty bow attached or if its over cooked or under cooked :)...I must admit that I never have 2 day old coffee in the house...lol...I am now going thur a pot a day! have a wonderful day my dear sweet loving hen...xoxo...M'

Tombstone Livestock said...

4:30 a.m. now that is a true friend indeed to come to the rescue at that hour. Take care and have a Merry Christmas.