Finding Happiness
Raising pastured poultry offers many experiences, some good, some sad, some very dirty but it also asks a riddle. What do sweat, chicken pooh, grumbing helpers (children), chicken pooh – did I mention that one – and being outside first thing in the morning have in common? They equal Happiness!
My sweet son and I decided to let Sissy and Daddy sleep in while we took care of the ‘critters’. Chickens do get up rather early and demand food and water, kind of like our children. There is a lot to do in the mornings to move the chicken tractors, clean brooder house trays, feed and water all the dogs, cats, turkeys and chickens but I must say I would rather do that than go to the gym and here is why: as we worked, we talked. Do you often talk to your child without phones, TV or music to distract you? We talked about how much he loves baby chicks, why they need clean water, why they poop a lot, how good the apples are that fall from the little apple tree, how good God is to love us and let us live here. We listened to the quiet of the morning, the roosters interupting the birdsongs, the sound of water filling buckets. It was such a perfect moment, that feeling of capturing something so precious, I can only liken it to God walking with Adam in the garden. What perfect moments they had in a perfect place – I was able to experience that in this fallen world that Christ redeemed us for.
We filled the water buckets and the feeders and were finishing the last of our tasks when son forgot what he was supposed to do next. Using my best British accent, I asked him if his brain had taken a vacation? The quiet of the morning was gone as he erupted into laughter and I followed. We had to stop working and just laugh for the longest time. Silliness really but Oh, what fun!
How blessed we are to work together daily and get to know each other so well. What joy to laugh at silly things and contemplate serious matters – together.
I pray you have a ‘together’ moment today that will remind you of the Garden and the ‘together’ moments our Heavenly Father wants to share with us.
