Bared Roots

I climbed through the slightest suggestion of ancient fence this morning to check on the horses kicked out in the pasture behind our home.  I trekked down to the water trough to make sure it was full and was greeted by the horses.  Greeted is a strong word.  They really were just coming to see if I brought them any snacks. When they realized I didn't bring snacks, they wandered off as quickly as they came.

Walking back, I was staring at the ground.  There are more big places of dirt than grass.  The dirt is so devoid of moisture it is hard and cracked.  Parched.  The grass isn't green...just the dried up bare root structures of grass clinging...waiting...hoping...desperately longing for moisture.  Real moisture.  Not spit that dries within seconds of the constant 30+ mph wind.  We haven't received any measurable rain for 9 months.



Things don't live without water.

I looked back up at the horses...their heads like vacuum cleaners on the ground.  They were searching too. Searching for food to sustain them.  I know it is dry...I've known it for months.  Looking at the ground this morning, the desperation for moisture hit me like a brick house fell out of the sky and landed squarely on me. Yes Dorothy, there's no place like home.  Sometimes in the forecast they give us a chance percentage of rain.  Last week it was 80%...not a drop fell.

If rain doesn't come soon...there will be no more grass.  No grass for animals to eat.  Animals will have to be sold. What is a ranch without animals?  Where will food come from for the people of this nation?   It's too late for the thousands of acres of wheat.  It is dying early and going to seed at a chance of saving itself for next time.  A crushing blow.  It's all crushing right now.  The desperation of it all is starting to weigh heavily.

I caught up with my grey mare that is temporarily on break to heal her hip.  She has big kind eyes and a sweet personality that endears me to her.  My youngest child can't wait to get her back.  I put my hand on her injured hip, I looked up into the cloud covered sky, and I prayed.  Right there in the pasture, I thanked Sweet Infant Baby Jesus for all of the many blessings we had received.  I told Him how much I appreciated the animals entrusted to our care and would He please see clear to let it rain.  I specified measurable, soaking, life giving rain that went on for months.  I asked for this so we can keep our animals and take the best care possible of them.  As the wind whipped violently over and around me, I asked for Him to heal this horse and return her to the little girl that loves her...and let it all be in His perfect timing and all to His glory.

It is not in my nature to be melancholy...I always look for the humor in every situation.  I seek joy. All most always I find it too.  It's getting harder.  So, I pray more and I'm thankful more.  As I see the needs, I ask for God's peace...the kind that brings joy in abundance....and I give thanks for the many blessings.

It hasn't rained yet.  But it will rain again...one day.