Blessed to be a blessing

Just some pictures from our lil' ranch this evening.

Spent the day at my son's baseball game. Last night we had three kids stay overnight- good friends. I so enjoyed sharing our little ranch life with our 11, 7 and 3 year old friends. The 7 year old enjoyed looking for eggs and got up early to "help" me milk our doe. The 3 year old was thrilled that he got to feed the goats and chickens and the 11 year old had all kinds of great questions about our goats. Having the kids here made me think about one of my three favorite memories of growing up: raising a pig for 4-H.

My best friend in middle school, Delcina, lived on a little farm. Her parents were teachers and great people. We often went over to Delcina's house after school to hang out and do whatever 8th grade girls do. I don't remember exactly how it came about, but Delcina's parent offered to let me raise a pig on their property for 4-H. My parents agreed (probably thrilled that Delcina's parents were providing me a life experience they would not be able to provide me.) Everyday after school I went over to Delcina's house and fed my "Piggy Sue". I cleaned her stall. I trained her using a wooden cane. I attended meetings to learn about the fair and showing a pig and the whole process. And after a few months of raising Piggy Sue, I showed her at our County Fair. I won a ribbon (don't remember what place), and auctioned her off. I made a couple hundred dollars from that auction.

I gained a confidence through that experience that most 8th graders lack. I certainly did. I would like to give that oppurtunity to someone like Delcina's family gave me.

I do believe God gave me this little herd and this little ranch as a gift, not to just keep for my pleasure but to bless others and to bring him glory. I don't know exactly how that plays out, but after last night it occured to me it might include offering our animals to kids who wouldn't have the oppurtunity otherwise to raise and show and sell at local fairs and shows. It's definitely something I'll be looking into. G'night

#lifeexperience #blessings #pictures