As I have said before – ranching is not for the faint hearted.  So why do we do what we do?  The real reason – family!!  This past week-end Scott, Rebekah, and Benjamin were at the ranch.  This was Benjamin’s first visit.

Now for a 4 month old – he and his Mom and Dad covered a lot of territory.  Ben was introduced to the bulls.  Ben went to the pastures and checked all the cows and their babies.

Ben rode Pecos.  You have to love Quarter horses.  They are known for their gentle spirits, protective natures, and their ranch work ethic.  Pecos literally braced himself – did not move a muscle – the entire time Benjamin was on his back.

Ben went to the barns and checked out all the tractors before they rolled out for the seasonal pasture weed spraying.  Ben drove the pick-up truck with his feet and honked the horn at his Daddy.  And laughed!!  Of course, there was the photo op at the gate to the headquarters with the ranch sign.

I have really been struggling lately.  We have not gotten any rain at the ranch – headed back into a devastating drought scenario.  I have cried many tears – wrestled with what I will have to do since I may have only enough grass to take me through the next month.  But God showed me this week-end what is important…..family.  Ranching is a family business.  God uses this ranch to teach us about bounty and need – good times and adversity – laughter and tears.  But most of all God teaches us that He provides – that He is enough.  God is present in every second of every day at this ranch.  And God knows we are stewards of His land – for Him – and for our families.  His greatest gift to all of us is our families.

My Mom and Dad would have loved this past week-end.  They would have loved all the food, story-telling, laughter, hugs and kisses – the sharing of life.  Our families love us – ground us – hold us – comfort us – laugh together – get mad – get sad – forgive – and teach those valuable life lessons.  My Dad used to say “we were like homing pigeons – we kept the back door swinging.”  It didn’t matter – good news – bad news – we were going home with it.    Ranching families – your family – there is nothing more important.  Cherish every moment of what really is important.

Ranching – the reason we do it – for our families – for the generations to come.

Yes – it’s true – we really do leave the back doors unlocked and the lights on while we await the  arrival of our children.  And we will be standing in the driveway – waving goodbye – long after their car is down the road.