It was a beautiful Saturday morning, rare weather for this year so far. We decided to install posts and a gate to get one more item from one of the many projects checked off the to-do list. The materials were waiting for us ready to be put in place so we gathered the tools necessary for the task and headed out. This gate would give us the ability to navigate livestock easier when moving them from one grazing area to another so getting it installed before putting up the cross fence was key.
In typical fashion, I optimistically estimated a shorter time than needed to complete the project. There were other things on the schedule for the day, including some much needed time with girlfriends. All was going well and things were close to my unrealistic schedule when I received a message from a lady that I barely knew, she had an animal emergency. If I’m being honest, at first thought I wondered why she was contacting me. Once we began to communicate I realized she was in need of help, the kind where you’ll reach out to whoever you think might be able to be of assistance.
It was quickly apparent that my agenda was out the window, as it should have been. The day of the last blog post I was thanking God for giving me the gift of helping animals in ways that are way above my pay grade! So here was the opportunity to use that gift to help someone else, which is what I believe a big part of the ability is meant for.
Even with the desire and ability to help, sometimes the outcome isn’t what you desire. That day, was one of those times. In spite of our best efforts we were unable to save the animals. This is one of the heart wrenching parts of farm life. We did all we could to save them, but it wasn’t meant to be.
She was so appreciative of my help and thanked me many times. But it was when I said goodbye to her 5 year old little girl & she thanked me that it really hit me. This is why we help each other, this is why the agenda goes out the window and this is why you say yes even when you’re busy. At the end of the day, we are called to be there for each other. We may have lost the battle that day, but the very next day she shared pictures of the new babies that had just been born. The healing had begun.
I’ll never look at this gate and not remember what took place the day it was hung. It will always be a reminder of helping someone in need and seeing the circle of life continue. It will be a sign of gratefulness for the abilities I have been given and the need to share them with others.