I was knee deep in hay and manure yesterday as I cleaned out a section of the calf pen and felt like this would be a great dirty job for Mike Rowe. I began to wonder how long it would be before I grow tired of doing things like this.
I’ve always thought of myself as a country girl at heart, and after being here for the past 6 months, I can safely say that it’s true. But there are times when I find myself questioning if what I’m doing is truly significant or if I’m just doing meaningless chores to keep myself busy.
You may be able to relate. Have you ever stopped and thought about your life asking, “Is this really it? Is this God’s only purpose for me? What is the objective here?” It can feel discouraging when you don’t know if the path you’re on will lead to anything meaningful.
Some months back, I was deeply consumed by feelings of uselessness when the daily routine became monotonous. Seeking solitude, I climbed onto the seat of a tractor that was parked in a place where I can view several of the open pastures and one that is hidden by bordering trees. Through teary eyes, I watched the herd of cows make their way to the hidden field until they all vanished behind the trees. It was then that I began to pray. For about 5 minutes, I poured out my heart, until finally condensing all my emotions into one fervent question: “God, what impact am I truly making here for You?”
And then God placed the answer on my heart:
This is why you’re here.
One by one, single-file, the cows and calves reappeared from behind the trees after grazing during my 5 minutes of prayer. Allow me to explain:
Typically, when the herd enters a field to graze, they are there for a couple of hours or so, especially with a field as big as this one. Sometimes they’ll stay there all day. But not on that day.
I don’t believe in coincidences. I don’t believe that, by mere chance, the herd suddenly changed their normal routine, their normal behavior at the very moment I asked for clarity.
But I still didn’t understand: What’s the purpose of beef cattle?
God’s simple answer: I created them and gave you the heart to care for them.
The words fell on my heart like a gentle song that calms a troubled soul. I’ve been looking for some self-gratifying meaning behind the work when it’s never been about me. Genesis tells us that we are created in His image, and the first job He gave man was to care for His creation. To care for the land, the animals, and His children.
Fast forward to yesterday, cleaning out the hay and manure, wondering how long it would be before I grow tired of doing this kind of thing, I was reminded that I do it for His glory.
A patron will never come by and say, “Great job cleaning up the hay rings! The meat sure tastes better thanks to you.” But maybe, with their heads bowed before their grilled steak or hamburgers, they’ll thank God for the food He provided for them. I give Him thanks for giving me the responsibility to have taken a small part in that.
Whenever you find yourself feeling trapped and start to question “What’s the point?,” think on the responsibility entrusted to you to support and preserve His creation. If you feel like you’re not in the right place, surrender it to Him so that He can fulfill the purpose He created you for.
Songs for Times Such as These:
Scripture for Times Such as These:
Eyes Upon Jesus 
Leave a comment