The lesson of "Two Cows."

  • by Lee Ann Miller
  • May 20, 2013
  • 410
                        
Summary: I think we can learn valuable lessons for what we see around us. My lesson this week is from "Two Cows." I may have even called myself a cow, for the purpose of the lesson I am learning. Column: Presently on our property we have “Two Cows.” They’re young and in a new field. Watching them over the last week I have noticed that sometimes in life we act like young cows. Sounds weird, but I think it’s true. In a world that asks for us all to be extraordinary and appear to have a perfect life, I think sometimes we lose sight of some boundaries that keep us healthy and growing in a wise way. The first two days “Two Cows” arrived they acted crazy. Because of the change that got shoved on them, they ran, cried and even barreled through the fence. Literally, they tromped through the fence, thinking that freedom was on the other side. It wasn’t. Sometimes when change bulldozes into our lives, we act crazy. We can make emotional decisions and cry and walk through fences thinking, “If I just get out of this situation, there will be freedom.” I’ve been there; I’ve been the crazy cow. Shoving back on change and challenge may not be the right choice. You know what? Sometimes the difficult situation is exactly where we are supposed to be. Not running, not acting crazy, but stepping back and saying, “Okay. What’s the wisest way to be here in this time? What is the lesson? How does this experience help me, help others? What am I called to be through this?” Running seems easier. Crashing through the fence seems more powerful and victorious. Yep,"Two Cows" did that 3 times. They ran. They powerfully crashed through the fence. They exhausted themselves running for about 2 hours to so called freedom. And then they ended up right back in the field we originally put them in. I think sometimes we move away from change and challenge telling ourselves it will be easier on the other side of the fence. Only to discover that we end up with similar problems, challenges and the same ole’ junk, maybe that is a signal that the lesson being taught is for us personally. I have noticed when I lean into change and challenge; I learn something new every single time. And if I run from it? It seems like I get put back in the original field in order to learn the lesson life wants to teach me. Here are 3 things that have helped me deal with challenge and change: 1.) Time alone each morning, whether you call it mediation, quiet time or devotions- to pray, journal and think through life. And if you are saying you don’t have time, then it’s time to say NO to something else. I have lived out that truth. Time for you makes for wiser decision making, it’s just a fact. 2,) A trusted friend or counselor to talk to. Walking through challenge and change is too hard to do alone. 3.) Serving. The biggest lie to believe when change and challenge are happening in your life is that you don’t have time or energy to give to other people. Serving and giving during tough times can be the biggest therapy and reward. Don’t underestimate giving, even when you feel weak. If you’re wondering how “Two Cows” ended up. An electric fence. Yes, we had to turn on the juice to get them to accept the new field. To get them to deal with the change we had to use force. How that compares to our life? Well, I’ll let you chew on that one! Stik a Fork In to leaning into challenge and change, learning to experience freedom wherever you are and avoiding the electric fence.


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