I took this video the other day as I was leaving for work because I realized that, for the first time since they joined our farm, Walter and Hazel didn't cry out when they saw me. Typically, they run toward me and "baaaaa!" desperately seeking attention (and a meal). This time, they simply looked up from their grazing, noticed me, then went back to their snack. I was like a proud mom taking this video - they have friends! The other sheep had welcomed them into the fold and they were content in the pasture.
As I read Psalm 65 today, I was struck by verse 11:
"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance."
Years ago, our flock grew too big, too fast and we gifted some of our sheep to a friend starting her own small farm (she promised to love them well and to keep them only as pets). But we kept my very favorite ones: including our best momma, BaaBaa.
After the traumatizing loss of our BaaBaa and her quadruplets earlier this year, I wondered if we would ever have little lambs again at the farm.
Just a month later, our neighbor had orphaned twin lambs who needed care and I didn't hesitate before taking them in. But, if I'm honest, I was guarded. The last orphaned lamb we cared for, our sweet Tommy, passed away and his loss absolutely broke my heart.
Over these past couple of months, Hazel and Walter have brought so much joy, laughter and peace to our little patch of land. The abundance of these twin lambs is such a sweet, unexpected gift and a reminder that, just like Psalm 65:11 (NLT) states, hard pathways can and will overflow with abundance.
Maybe someone reading this is walking on a hard pathway right now and needs the reminder that the path won't always be this way. The verse just before states that God will soften the earth with showers (65:10). Softer earth is coming, friends. 🤍
