THE LAND — SEPTEMBER 3/SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
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Many steps can be taken while going for a walk And so began the walks. Two of my children Around the barn, into and showed goats this year as a out of the show ring, back county fair first. The three and forth and over and goats they took to the fair over. As Abby and Easton were born on our farm in walked their goats, they April and have been hangently spoke to them, dled since day one. We exhibiting kindness rather quickly learned, however, than frustration. I noticed that the saying “stubborn DEEP ROOTS some of the older 4H-ers as an old billy goat” also pertains to the junior class By Whitney Nesse stop to give encouragement and really step into the role of wethers as well. of a mentor rather than being competThere were days those goats would itively aloof. I watched the confidence lead like champs, walking along with and the animal/handler trust level their handlers, heads held high and grow as Abby and Easton simply seemed to enjoy the spotlight. There walked and talked to their animals. were also days that the kids more or The number of things which can be less dragged their goats around the solved by simply taking a walk is yard. Those stubborn little stinkers astounding. Attention can be diverted, would lock up their front legs and tempers can be cooled, patience can be firmly plant themselves, not wishing learned, wisdom can be gained, and to go anywhere. trust can be built. There is much simWe hoped, of course, that by fair plicity — yet there is great depth — in time the Pygmy’s would lead well — walking along with their handlers and an evenly-paced stroll. It’s no wonder Jesus chose to take a walk with two of ready for their time to shine. On the his followers on the road to Emmaus contrary. It felt as though the goats had conjured up a plan to sabotage my shortly after his body was resurrected. Two grief-stricken followers of kids’ first attempt at showing goats as Christ were on their way back to soon as we got to the fair. They were Emmaus from Jerusalem, about a as stubborn as the day is long. Some of the older 4H-ers generously seven mile journey, three days after the crucifixion. As they walked, anothoffered to have a mock show on our er traveler — Jesus (whom they did first day at the fair as a confidence not recognize) — joined them. Jesus booster for the first timers. As I stood inquired about the subject they were by with a few other parents, I painsso intently discussing. As they walked takingly watched my two oldest drag along, the two described the events of their goats through the show ring. I the recent days. They poured out began to dread show day. their breaking hearts to Jesus as He Feeling frantic, I asked a veteran earnestly listened. Jesus’ followers goat showing parent what we could do thought He would be the one to to get our goats to behave on show redeem Israel. Upon the death of day. His reply was simple: take them Christ, their hope was deferred and for walks. Walk them through the they were heartsick. Jesus, still unrecshow ring, around the barn, and while ognized by the two, then reminded you’re walking, talk to them. For the them of everything written about Him goats, the whole fair experience is new. beginning with Moses and all of the The lights, the noises, and the hustle Prophets. And as Jesus spoke to them, and bustle is completely foreign. The their hearts burned like a holy fire only thing familiar to them is their kindled by the truth, confirming their handler and their handler’s voice. beliefs.
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What a great example of how a simple walk can end in epic fashion! During that walk, Jesus patiently listened. He calmly spoke. He reminded the two of centuries-old truths, and He fanned into flame what they already knew! Luke 24:13-35 gives us the full account of Jesus’ walk with the two. I can’t help but to liken this story to the very same principles which were shared with me on our first day at the fair. “Walk with and talk to the goats, the only thing familiar to them will be the handler and the handler’s voice.” I can almost imagine Jesus thinking the same thing! Walk with and talk with Me, you know Me and you know My voice. A walk with Jesus can bring us from a place of unwilling stubbornness and heartache to a place of willful submission and a heart on fire! I know stubbornness well. There have been times when the Lord has tried to gently walk with me and I’ve planted my feet and refused to go. I
know the heartsick feelings well too. Hoping for different outcomes; only to have my hope deferred. However, I also know when I willingly choose to participate in my walk with Jesus, after I have poured out my grief and gotten tired of refusing, He begins to speak. And when He speaks as we walk along, my heart truly burns within me. My passion for the Lord ignites and I am ready to continue on the walk. Show day came and went. It was a great experience for Abby and Easton. They brought home new confidence, new friends, new card games, a new level of responsibility for their animals. And most of all, they learned the importance and simplicity of going for a walk. A few red ribbons and two grand champions were added bonuses. Whitney Nesse is a sixth-generation livestock farmer who is deeply rooted in her faith and family. She writes from her central Minnesota farm. v
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