Change of Plans

I didn’t expect to be feeding in my pajamas this morning. But Scotty had other plans.

You see, I have a routine. Get up. Go upstairs to get the morning mash soaked for the horses. Then I spend about 10 minutes in the bathroom getting ready for the day - the usual brush hair, teeth, clean up, feel awake. Then I’ll tuck by into my bed for a few minutes while it’s still warm to spend some time in the Word. Every morning, I’m reading through Psalms or Proverbs, starting with Psalm 1 then continuing with a few every day until I reach Proverbs 31, where I start all over again. This morning, I was going to be reading Psalm 24-25. Then after my morning devotion and prayer, I’ll get dressed and grab the fully soaked grain to go outside and begin chores.

Not today.

As I was soaking the pellets, I got a text from my dad that Scotty was out. Again.

I sighed then tightened my robe tie and went out. I shoved my bare feet into some tennis shoes and carted my boys’ dishes to their pasture. Sure enough, there was Scotty standing outside his fence, but still thankfully within the fenced perimeter of the property. I don’t worry much about him totally leaving. We have a cattle grate at the front that I he wouldn’t dare cross, and he also wouldn’t leave his buddies behind. So he was napping happily nearby after enjoying the grass out of his pasture for who knows how many hours.

My dad grabbed Scotty with the halter I leave hanging on a post nearby for just such occasions while I shooed everyone else away from the gate. They were annoyed at their friend. Jet, my 29 year-old gelding, was just anxious to make it through the gate for his personal time away from the herd. The old man likes to wander the property during the day. At his age, I won’t begrudge him the pleasure; plus, he’s trustworthy to stay where he’s at and not make mischief.

Scotty was pleased with his outing; it was worth the effort. I later found the problem in the fence line. He had pulled a loose T-post out of the ground so he could sneak under. A few pounds from the hammer fixed that for now. He may figure out something new next time. Scotty has a penchant for tom-foolery.

Even though it wasn’t a “typical” morning, I still had to smile. I have been blessed with a beautiful life, even if the Lord and His Creation throw me a few curveballs along the way. In truth, there have been a lot of curveballs lately, but I choose (and often need to be reminded to choose) gratitude.

As I look out onto the pastures surrounding home, I can thank the Lord for His goodness. I have plenty of critters to love, green grass to watch wave in the wind, and some vegetables growing in the garden. I look forward to the days ahead that I get to invest in this life, even when it’s turned on its head a bit.

So I’ll take time to pet the cows. I’ll kiss the horses’ noses (even though Jet doesn’t like it). I’ll watch a bumble bee while I’m pulling weeds.

I needed that reminder to live in the moment, for this is where the Lord has blessed me.