Get me around farm animals, and it doesn’t take long for my nose to crinkle. My verdict rotates consistently between which species wins “the stinkiest” superlative – some days chickens get the prize; at times, both beef and dairy cattle operations can be rank; and, there have been multiple occasions when hogs, not-so-romantically, took my breath away. Alas, a farmer friend once put those occasionally offensive aromas into perspective for me; he caught himself downwind, took a big whiff and proclaimed, “Ahh, smells like money!” 😉
I’m an agriculture enthusiast from way back, but I have no problem confessing there are plenty of aspects surrounding this industry that I find less than appealing.
My past few days have been spent at the Kentucky State Fair, and more specifically, in the Hog Barn! One of my best friends and her awesome family breed and raise show pigs, and this week they graciously let me hang out in their pens, offering some first hand experience (and even some lessons from their youngest showman) in the intense world of Hog Shows!
I’ve always “known” that farmers work harder than ANYONE, but this week has permanently solidified that theory into FACT! I’ve seen folks walk in the barn before dawn and before their own breakfast to feed their animals, watched them peed on, be bitten at, wind up pinned against a gate, rub itchy eyes, catch five minute naps in not-so-comfortable places, come out of the washroom soaking wet and inevitably step in pile after pile of “business,” all to wind up in the show ring where they demonstrate an expertise in handling and seek to prove that their pig is tops! And, in the end, most don’t “Win.” What amazes me is that even after going through all those un-pleasantries, these farmers and showmen (and women!) never lose focus on the most vital aspect: THE PIGS!
The health, happiness and well-being of each pig is the top priority of every owner. They’re kept cool and comfortable, fed according to individual nutrition plans, groomed, talked to, petted, reassured, praised, guided for safety, instructed in right and wrong, allowed ample rest, fed some more and generally loved by the farmer who raised them. Win or lose, they still matter. They still have value. They’re still a prized possession worthy of care. Never mind the occasional “stink…”
As children of God, our “owner” is constantly prioritizing our well-being. He meets every need – physically, financially, socially, psychologically, etc. – we are constantly provided for! In fact, the Bible promises He wants to go ever further with His provisions.
While I don’t think that promise equates to God dropping EVERYTHING I ever wanted on my front porch, there is immense satisfaction in knowing that He has my very best interest as His top priority, and He will abundantly fulfill EVERY need and desire that I can use to His glory.
Quite frankly, though, there are probably plenty of times when folks around me want to crinkle their noses at my “stink,” or more specifically, my sins. Like those pigs, I don’t always follow the most obvious path. Sometimes I take off running wild when He would much prefer I walked, and other times I’m stubborn and refuse to budge without enticement. (Cue the feed bucket!!!) I embarrass Him; I’m competitive with those around me; I fail to live up to my potential, and despite His best efforts, sometimes I simply don’t win. But as one of my Church deacons often assures our congregation, “We win in the end, folks!”
No matter how stinky I’ve been or still manage to get, I never lose value to God. He notes all the messes I make, the impossible situations I get into, the dirt and grime that will take time and patience to scrub off, my selfish attitude, my lazy nature, my every imperfection and all the ways I could continue to fail Him, and he loves me anyway. He seeks to take care of me. He sees my potential. He takes a big whiff and says, “Ahh, smells like GLORY!”
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
