It is that time of year – time to market my calves. Since I only get paid once a year, this is a moment that I take very prayerfully. Buyers that I have done business with in the past just ask me to send in my information – the weights – how many steers and heifers I have to sell – my delivery date. A price is negotiated – we gather the cattle on the delivery date – the trucks arrive – calves are loaded – weighed – I am paid – and the trucks head North. Every year we have new buyers who want to come to the ranch – see the cattle and observe how we handle the cattle and our operation. And so this year – I met a new buyer, Keith Brackens. Only this was different – he was God sent. I drove him to all the pastures to see the calves – and of course, we talked. I talked about the devastating drought of last year – and he said “to God be the Glory”. I talked about hauling hay and water for my cows – and he said “to God be the Glory”. For every tough circumstance I described – he said “to God be the Glory”.
Then it hit me. I stopped short. He was right. TO GOD BE THE GLORY. After all it is God’s plan – HE knows where we are in our adversity – HE knows the path He has already prepared to lead us out – HE promised he would never leave us or forsake us – HE promised he would take care of our needs. I could feel God’s presence. At that moment I knew – God loves me (and you) – and no matter my circumstances I can be happy and rejoice in that love, grace, and mercy knowing full well that God already has the perfect provision for me. I am so blessed and I need to look at my blessings – count and recount my blessings – not constantly speak of the tough times – grumble in discontent.
Keith went on to say that this drought will change me – and it will change the way I do business in the future. This drought has lessons and if it had not come along – I would not be looking at my business the way I am today. We do become complacent at times – comfortable. Nothing like adversity to literally drop us to our knees. And when we are down – we start to look up!! Taking God’s hand makes me stronger – not weaker. God is good – ALL the time!! God is enough!! HE will show us the way and make us stronger and better in the process.
Keith and I may not agree on calf prices this year – and I am not sure if Keith came as a buyer or just as God’s messenger that day – but I do know………TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!
of keith …. “be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby ‘some’ are angels ‘unawares’. hebrews 13:2
of linda …. “therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. for we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. now we who have believed enter that rest … “. hebrews 4:1-3
i love how this message has been of “great value” to you, dearest linda, because you have believed.
i love you so!
I LOVE this!!! Beautifully written. It’s all about perspective, he does have a plan!
Lynda, my sweet sister, I needed this just as much as you, and I think we ALL needed this. What a great post, I love it, and thank you! We never doubt HE is there, but sometimes, that reminder in His little ways, are that much more amazing!!! Love the Blog! Love you too!
You have moved me to great tears, welling up from my innermost. To God be the glory. hallelujah and Amen!
What a beautiful photo! It really goes with your message. God is so good. No doubt He sent Keith to give you that message. He does care about each of us individually so much that He can send one person just for us to tell us what He wants us to hear. Its up to us to receive it — to actually “hear” it. You got it, Ranchergirl, and are sharing it with all of us. Thank you. Thank you.
What a wonderful lesson for all of us!!! Thanks for sharing the gift of your words.