The mountain of responsibilities seemed a bit more than I could manage effectively. We had just spent a week with family before, during, and after my father-in-law’s death. We shared memories, grief, and conversations, bringing encouragement through the unplanned reunion of the funeral.
Our barnyard had just enjoyed the birth of five baby goats, which required each mother and baby to have separate stalls from the others. Picture lots of gatekeeping as one feeds and cleans these stalls. Emotions go from happy laughter watching the babies’ antics to impatience in getting all the extra work done.
Then came the icing on the responsibility cake. Ten-day-old baby Daphne somehow got out of her stall and fractured her back leg. The trip to the Vet confirmed the options I expected. The Vet could repair the leg through surgery with pin placement, amputate the leg, or euthanize Daphne.
She was just too cute and full of life to put down. I knew surgery meant bottle feeding for 3 months as I entered my busy season of garden and farm market. As we considered managing all, I asked Father God what He thought about the situation. In asking and waiting for His answer, I sensed a peace flowing through my thoughts and heart.
At that moment, I knew Daphne would have restored quality of life through the surgery pin placement, and God would give us the strength and resources needed to support her.
With the x-ray showing her leg completely healed, we are now two weeks away from ending bottle feeding and returning Daphne to the herd. The fatigue and frustration I experience are replaced with perseverance, joy, and faith as I look to Father God with my heart.
Where does this very real flow of strength, good health, and attitude come from amid real challenges and grief? My experience is reflected in Isaiah 58:11, The LORD will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
If I believe Father God’s promises to supply my needs when He calls me to do something, He will do it. There’s something very rewarding about sacrificing one’s comfort and schedule to allow another to have a better life. I’m so delighted we listened, obeyed and now enjoy the fruit of our labors.