Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Away from the mire . . .

Moving cows to the back pasture is part of grandson Isaac's weekday routine.  When he cranks up the four-wheeler and heads to the big gate, the cows and calves immediately move toward him.  They've learned to follow him - no prodding, no driving.  As you can see, it's sometimes a messy job, but it's a part of his day that he really enjoys.  The ground gets boggy and muddy and mucky in places.  But he and the cows don't let that stop them from going through the mud then the gate to greener pastures.  Later in the day, he leads them back to the pasture close to the house.

I know all of this because he asked me to go with him one chilly morning while we were visiting, and I cherish those moments together . . . our conversation . . .  the cold wind in our faces . . . speeding through the pasture and all the "stuff" that one finds in a cow pasture!  I wouldn't trade those few minutes for anything - in spite of my outlandish attire and the fact that the four-wheeler was .  . . well, let's just say it had been through the muck and mire and "stuff" a few times!

Away from the mire and away from the clay, God leads His dear children along.  These words from an old hymn have played in my mind this week, and I can really relate to those words.  Life leads us to some messy, mucky places.  We can choose to get bogged down there in the mire, or we can follow our Leader through the muddy mess, then through the gate He opens and move into greener pastures.  He chooses not to drive us but goes ahead of us.  As we learn to identify His voice and learn that He can be trusted, following Him becomes the pattern of our daily lives.  And at the end of the day - whenever that might be - we can trust Him to lead us Home.

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood.
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song
In the night season and all the day long. 
~God Leads Us Along lyrics - G. A. Young, 19th century~



13 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an enjoyable post, Glenda. I can just picture you and your grandson sharing special time together. I love the old hymn also. I wish you would consider linking to my friend's blog...Lorraine @

http://gratefulprayerthankfulheart.blogspot.com/2012/02/think-on-these-things-2.html

You and Lorraine are both fabulous photographers who love the Lord.

Anonymous said...

Such a great analogy, once more, of God's leading. I love those special moments that bring our relationship with God into perspective.

Anneliese said...

Oops, that was me... the last one.

Susie Swanson said...

I enjoyed your post very much and I love your blog..Thank you for the nice words on mine..Susie

S. Etole said...

You have a wonderful way of writing your thoughts in a meaningful manner.

Kathy said...

A young man learning how to be a big man. And oh what a memory it will be!

Ginny Hartzler said...

What a lovely story. Phil was singing this song to me because I don't remember it. He thinks the bridge says "He Gives A Song", is this where you come by the title of your blog?

Karin said...

Love that hymn so much - we sing it often at the nursing home! What a great story about the special time you and your grandson share often! That's wonderful!

Just Be Real said...

Such a great analogy Glenda. Appreciate you sharing. Something I needed to read and a reminder to apply in my life. Blessings to y ou.

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Love this post, Its thought provoking and we do see in it that GOD does lead us.

Glenda said...

Thanks for all your comments!
Ginny, I did get the title for my blog from the hymn "God Leads Us Along." I'm glad your noticed!

Southern Lady said...

What a handsome little farmer! I just spent some time getting caught up on your blog this morning. Your pictures, words, scripture, music, and insights always brighten my day. I don't know how you get such great pictures of birds. It seems they don't ever cooperate with me. Your grandchildren are my favorite photo subjects though. I know you are very proud of them. Thank you for your kind comments about Carson. She and Catie do make us proud. Please pray for them to stay grounded in their faith as they start to spread their wings and fly. That is the prayer of my heart. Hope you and your family are all doing well. Enjoy the beauty of spring as it arrives! God Bless! Carla

Leslie said...

yes, i was thinking of psalm 23 today... this is a nice illustration of those truths.