Today there was deep snow, cold toes, frozen hoses, and ample frustration. There was the needed expression of big emotions, then apologies, then forgiveness.
We think we're out here to care for the animals, but some days we're really here for the lessons in grace.
And sure, sometimes we question this path we're on. Days we wonder what life would be like without animals, garden, homestead.
Without so much work.
Surely there is an easier path out there that would satisfy us without so much effort.
Or is there?
Because The goal was never an "easy" life. But a juicy, vibrant, and messy life, brimming with real, hard work?
Yes. I'm pretty sure that was what we signed up for.
Thank you for this post, Rachel. We have been thinking about this lately, too. Our little homestead has turned out to be much more work, more expense, and less productive than we had hoped. We often muse over how much money we would have if we had only stayed in the city. All of our money now goes to fencing, feed, compost, topsoil, etc. It gives a person pause. It is indeed though, the life we signed up for. Thank you very much for the reminder.
Oh there are times I feel this way, too. But when Fiona looks at me with those doe eyes or McDhui and Primrose close in on either side of me, “leading” me to the feed dishes (because I may have forgotten exactly where they are…ahem), or I hear Juniper or Ahma’s soft little bleats, etc. I can’t imagine life without them. Hard work, yes…..but, as you said….so much Grace in those sweet critters.
Thank you Barb!