We have a large, beautiful heifer that was born on a Sunday. Shannon named her Sunday.
Three days ago, Shannon told me Sunday was close to giving birth. This can be a huge problem because often, heifers, being first-time mothers, don’t fully understand what is happening or why, suddenly, there is a little munchkin trying to nurse off them.
When I looked at Sunday, she didn’t look close to giving birth. So, me, being me, I gave Shannon an entire lesson on what to look for to tell when a heifer was close to going into labor. My lesson was brilliant, insightful, and well-articulated. I was very proud of myself.
Shannon looked at me, smiled, and completely ignored my brilliance. She put Sunday in a pen for safe keeping.
While I must admit my feelings were a little hurt, I realized, in a week to ten days, I would look at her, smile, and say, “I told you so.” I was really looking forward to that moment.
Yesterday, when we were coming home from a doctor’s appointment, we passed the cattle pen. There was Sunday, lying on her side, with two small hoofs sticking out. She was in full-blown labor.
Realizing we did not know how long she had been in this situation; we quickly drove to the house and got the equipment needed to pull the calf. It only took us a few minutes.
By the time we got back to the pen, Sunday had given birth to a beautiful, white heifer. Shannon looked at me, smiled, and didn’t say, “I told you so.”
We spent the next few hours sitting by the pen, watching the beautiful scene of a new mother and her calf getting to know one another. It was one of those moments that makes ranching worth every second.
This got me thinking.
While I could not wait to gloat and make sure Shannon understood I was right, and she was wrong. Shannon took a different path.
Instead of bragging she was right, and I was wrong, Shannon chose not to rub it in my face. She chose humility.
The wisest of all people said, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
While you may not be the ranching expert I am, there is something you know a lot about. Be very careful in thinking you have all the answers. That’s the moment you are headed for a fall.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me be a person of humility and joy. Guide my steps, thoughts, words, and actions. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
There are times when I put my foot into my mouth all the way up to the kneecap. Don’t’ be me. Humility is always the best answer. Trust me.
Also, just for the record, since the new calf was born on Valentine’s Day, Shannon named her Valentine.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 