Wisdom from the farm

Yesterday in church the pastor was talking about the "check engine" light that comes on in your car. When the check engine light comes on it is trying to give us friendly information that tells us we should investigate the engine fluids, belts and electrical system. To ignore this warning could be expensive and inconvenient. There are other ways we can be warned about things we need to give attention to.

Last week we rode three days straight in the snow. When we ride there is one field and an old house we ride by where the horses are always watching more closely. We have come to understand that coyotes frequent this area. The horses are watching for "check surroundings" lights. Because horses are animals of prey they naturally watch for danger. We can learn from this.

Saturday when we rode there were three of us. After making our way to the rear of the farm we heard a tumult of dogs barking. Dogs? Did I say dogs? No it wasn't dogs. It was coyotes. The wind was blowing straight from them to us so they never smelled us or heard us. This sounded like a frenzy of barking with ocasional howl. This frenzy lasted for around a half hour and suddenly all was quiet. They had done what it is they do when they are hungry. Something went down so they could eat.

Now cattlemen that have cows calving this time of year know of the danger and make provisions as best they can to keep their cattle safe. Last Sunday the dogs come dragging in a calf hide that had been shredded along with a hoof. Next morning the cows here were all counted and accounted for. There was a lone cow bawling on a neighbor's farm.

All of nature has warnings. Our cars warn us, the horses warn us, the cattle warn us, circumstances warn us and our friends will warn us when we are about to make a big mistake. Every time I have made a really big and stupid mistake I have had "warning lights" about what I was doing. Because I ignored the warning I made a really big and stupid mistake. Can you relate to my really big and stupid mistakes? Did you have warnings like me?

The book of Proverbs in the Bible is filled with these warnings as many other places in the Bible. Did you know the Bible warns us not to be a co-signer for another person's debt? Reading the Bible is good for us. We are even promised a blessing if we read Revelation. For sure the psalmist left us with some really good words of wisdom.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to Your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. (Psalms 19:7-11 NLT)


Have a wonderful day

Bob