5 minute read
Deep Roots
Two of my children And so began the walks. showed goats this year as a Around the barn, into and county fair first. The three out of the show ring, back goats they took to the fair and forth and over and were born on our farm in over. As Abby and Easton April and have been han- walked their goats, they dled since day one. We gently spoke to them, quickly learned, however, exhibiting kindness rather that the saying “stubborn as an old billy goat” also DEEP ROOTS than frustration. I noticed some of the older 4H-ers pertains to the junior class By Whitney Nesse stop to give encouragement of wethers as well. and really step into the role There were days those goats would lead like champs, walking along with their handlers, heads held high and seemed to enjoy the spotlight. There were also days that the kids more or of a mentor rather than being competitively aloof. I watched the confidence and the animal/handler trust level grow as Abby and Easton simply walked and talked to their animals. less dragged their goats around the The number of things which can be yard. Those stubborn little stinkers solved by simply taking a walk is would lock up their front legs and astounding. Attention can be diverted, firmly plant themselves, not wishing tempers can be cooled, patience can be to go anywhere. learned, wisdom can be gained, and We hoped, of course, that by fair time the Pygmy’s would lead well — walking along with their handlers and ready for their time to shine. On the contrary. It felt as though the goats had conjured up a plan to sabotage my trust can be built. There is much simplicity — yet there is great depth — in an evenly-paced stroll. It’s no wonder Jesus chose to take a walk with two of his followers on the road to Emmaus shortly after his body was resurrected. kids’ first attempt at showing goats as Two grief-stricken followers of soon as we got to the fair. They were Christ were on their way back to as stubborn as the day is long. Emmaus from Jerusalem, about a Some of the older 4H-ers generously offered to have a mock show on our first day at the fair as a confidence booster for the first timers. As I stood by with a few other parents, I painstakingly watched my two oldest drag their goats through the show ring. I began to dread show day. seven mile journey, three days after the crucifixion. As they walked, another traveler — Jesus (whom they did not recognize) — joined them. Jesus inquired about the subject they were so intently discussing. As they walked along, the two described the events of the recent days. They poured out 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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