"Spring Calves"

In early spring they plan it,

For when new calves will come,

It’s a time of hope and prayin’,

And anticipatin’ some,

They’re closely watchin’ first-calf heifers,

‘Cause those might need some help,

And you hear those old coyotes,

Sit and listen to ‘em yelp.

Sometimes they go crank up the truck,

Or that old side by side,

Go lookin’ with the flashlight,

Just a little late night ride.

And then there comes the first one,

Then another, now there’s three,

And pretty soon the pasture,

Is just like nursery.

But they know that they’re not finished,

‘Cause there’s several still to birth,

And one young cow is struggling,

Lying prostrate on the earth.

She’s been at it for awhile now,

You know just what to do,

When she’s pushin’ you are pullin’,

‘Cause now it’s up to you,

To help her to deliver,

And out she comes at last,

You got another heifer,

And real glad you got there fast.

There just ain’t nothin’ like it,

People say it ‘cause they know,

The joy of cattle birthing,

Little bovine soon to grow.

And they frolic, kick and run around,

And you laugh and watch ‘em play,

And you think the Lord has blessed you,

And all that you can say,

Is look at all those babies,

Ain’t they perty, watch ‘em run,

Praise God you get to do this,

And you will till life is done.

Not everybody gets it,

But many will no doubt,

When the calves come in the springtime,

It’s what ranching’s all about.

“For all the animals of the forest are Mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are Mine.” (Psalm 50:10-11, NLT)

The Creator owns His creation, including the animals of the field. Those of us who raise cattle develop a keen appreciation for the husbandry involved in their care. Over and again the scriptures use these passages as illustrations of the Lord’s care in our lives. If He owns the cattle and cares for them, how valuable must we be to Him? If He is personally aware of every bird and, according to Jesus, knows when any sparrow falls, then certainly we can trust His awareness of everything we experience. The faithfulness of His involvement in our personal lives is unquestionable foundation upon we build our lives. He is our security.

Lord, help us recognize Your care, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Owen, cowhorsegallery.com, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless.