Cattle fence

This last few days have involved several interactions with Marshall cows. This has lead to a few funny connections between my behavior and my faith.

The other night we need to separate the cows...yearlings from the mama and her calf, and the calf from his mama. The calf need to have his boy parts altered, if you know what I mean. One of the yearlings needed to have his halter adjusted because he continues to attempt to nurse. Bad habit. Mama's an enabler. Now he wears a funny mask attached to the halter so his mama will kick him if he gets too close. He knocked his mask off and fixing it was supposed to be the second task of the night.

Well, task number one was easy and quick. And fun for me. I got to tackle the little guy while his boy parts were, um, adjusted, um, altered, well...

Task number two would've brought the house down had we been observed. People would've laughed until they cried. We chased those stupid cows around for an hour trying to get them into the barn so the halter adjustment could take place. It was a clown show. At one point the other yearling felt cornered and blasted through some fencing. Right into the hay field. We were as stunned as he was.

Today we were splitting and stacking wood. As I looked at the repaired fence and that dumb cow it occurred to me that many of my challenges appear as immovable as the fence. In reality, I could blow through the fence at any time, just like the cow had. (I know, shouldn't compare myself to a cow. But I'm going somewhere with this in a minute.) For some reason fencing keeps cows and horses in. However, in reality, both animals are way stronger than the fencing that contains them, but they take the easier route by just obeying their circumstances. Even when they have the strength to overcome it and without much effort.

So, what are my fences? *Confession time* My weight. Using language I have used for years that I know I shouldn't. Not aligning my priorities and how I spend my time. All these are areas that God has given me the strength to deal with, but I don't. I just trudge along. I act like this is just the way it's going to be. Like my circumstances dictate my life. Just like the cows.

Lord, thank you for helping me make connections between what I see and what I do. I know there is a better way. A way that would be more edifying to me and my relationships with others and with you. Please push me Lord. Please help me to get closer to the woman I know I could be. Please Lord, blow the fences down. And push me through. I love you. I appreciate that you pursue me. I appreciate that you died on the cross just to make our relationship right again. You rock. I love you!