County fair lambs

Our family increased by three the week after Spring Break when the lambs for the county fair moved in.  The kids named them Butch, Festus, and Winchester.

I showed lambs and heifers when I was a kid too.  I remember well the walking, feeding, and one fight in particular I had with my brother over who was going to carry the bucket of water out to the pen.  We both got spankings.

The county fair and camping out at the Emmons camp was the highlight of my year.  One of the reasons we loved it was the animal judging.  The real reason we loved the fair though was the meeting and mingling that took place over the five days and five nights. 

You see, boys and girls from all over the county came together dolled up and cleaned up in their best western attire.  Everyone tended to collide right in front of the Ferris wheel or over by the show pen, and it was fun!

Back to present tense…our kids work hard with their projects.  One may feed in the morning and one may feed at night, but they all individually walk and work with their lambs.  There is no substitute for knowing and nurturing your own animal. 

Brazos, the oldest one involved here, really has developed a knack for setting up his lamb and showmanship. He coaches his younger siblings and sometimes even takes their lambs into his own hands to “show” them what to do.

He demonstrates and then passes the lamb back to its rightful owner. My job is usually includes standing outside of the pen, keeping my shoes free of poop, and offering encouragement. 

We had a hiccup this week.  Blaise, the youngest of our fair participants, was as sick as a dog.  She spent three days in her Dad’s chair sipping on Ginger Ale, taking medicine, and trying to hold down crackers.  Obviously, she did not work with her lamb because of her illness.

Last night when Blaise was well enough to get back to business, her lamb acted like a fool! After three work sessions, we are nearly back to the point that Blaise can control her animal.  The time away from her sheep made a difference….and not a positive one.    

Her lamb does not responding to her like it did last week, and it is not just the lamb.  Blaise feels more frustration than joy and excitement.  It is going to take time!  Thank God we have a few more days until show time. 

This county fair project relates to most “projects” in life.  Anything that we want to do good in takes time, dedication, and work!  When we neglect our assignment, there will be consequences.  Often too…others can help out, but nothing can substitute for us personally connecting with our task and our own hard work. 

This is true for our relationship with the LORD too.  Others can pray for us and teach us, but the time we spend alone in Word and with our heavenly Father must be done personally. We must show up, there are substitutions or a way to pass the buck to someone else.    

In John 3:3, Jesus said “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  Much like with the lamb, nothing can take the place of you personally connecting with your Father. Spend time with Him this week.  

Are you born again?  If so, spend some time this week with your Father.  If not, call on the name of Jesus, you will be saved; however, no one can do it for you.  You must call out to Him.