Many important things of life I’ve learned from being around and observing the cattle on our ranch.
- The grass might look greener on the other side of the fence, but there a good chance you will get your head caught in the fence or at least a catch in your neck by trying to get to that grass. You might as well be grateful for what you have on the side of the fence that you’re on and make the most of it.
- It’s a good idea to walk the entire fence when going into a new pasture. We haven’t moved around a lot since we finished our college years, but there is real wisdom is getting to know the area you live in. I still find new things in our area that add to my knowledge.
- Rules are made to be challenged, so walk the fence and look for the holes that will enable you to get out. How else will you see the world if you don’t find a way out of the fence? (Are we back to our boxes again?) However, there is also security with the fence. A fence may help keep danger away, or least make it harder for the wolf or coyote to get to you. There may be a poisonous weed just beyond the fence that you shouldn’t get into. So there is a time and a place to challenge this rule. The problem is, we don’t know the time or the place and sometimes have to face the danger from challenging rules.
- There is safety in the crowd, but being alone is also good and for some of us a necessity. Being with the crowd can be beneficial when storms come, as there is protection in numbers. And isolation gives us a chance to view things slowly.
- Teach children to obey. Obedience is importance throughout our lives and it is best learned when young. It is interesting to watch as a young calf will lay in an area, not moving, until its mother gives it the okay to get up or until she goes to get the calf. Teaching children to come when called and to stay where they are until told to move should be done while the child is young and doesn’t question everything.
- Face challenges head on. When a stray dog wanders out into the herd, the cows face it, letting it know it won’t go unchallenged. How many times do we turn away from challenges because we are afraid or unsure of ourselves? Facing things head on takes courage but also builds character.
- Work together, share others burdens. As I have watched the cows out in the pasture, I believe that once in awhile one of them is designated as “baby sitter” for the day, as there will be one cow and lots of calves around her while other cows are further out grazing. Also, in sharing their burdens, and I know I have mentioned this before, I have observed older cows surround a young heifer that is having labor pains. The older ones will be “lowing” in calming and soothing moos, as if to say “we’re here with you and know you can do it.” A shared burden is one that is easier to get over.
- Follow the leader to water. The path is being made by you and the others to the watering hole. There will always be leaders in our lives, and we need to pay attention to them.
- Treat everyone as equal. Don’t look at color, size, or shape. Just accept people for who they are, give everyone a chance.
- Dependent on others. We are all dependent on others for some parts of our lives. The cow is dependent on its owners for its food, especially in the cold winters. Learn to accept dependence and not fight it.
- Chew your cud. Take time to think things out, slow down, enjoy life. And don’t criticize others for doing the same.
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