Today we had amateur hour here at Premier Angus Genetics. As I have mentioned before, I’m 41 years old and just learning things around the farm that I probably should already know. You know, like driving an F350 dually with a cattle trailer on the back. I have done it a few times with supervision of course, and today was no exception. The difference today was the weather, or shall I say, the mud. It has rained here for several days and the ground is a nasty, sloppy, soupy mess. Keith and I had taken some un-productive recipient cows to the livestock auction. On the way back to our farm, he suggested that I drive. I was a bit nervous pulling the trailer on the highway. I constantly checked the mirrors while keeping my hands tightly clasped at 10 & 2 and obeying every traffic law to the letter. We made it safely back to the farm! I was excited that I had made it without any complications. Then, I realize I have to park and un-hitch the trailer. At first I wasn’t thinking too much about the mud. I was concerned about getting this 31-foot trailer over the hill, around the barn, and back down to the place where it is kept. I made it through that course too. I thought I was home free when I got back to the gravel road. I was wrong. As I approached the spot where I needed to start pulling off, Keith asked me to stop and put the truck in 4-wheel drive. In a firm but encouraging voice he then said, “It’s bad muddy. You cannot stop. You have to give it some fuel, and whatever you do, don’t stop moving when you get off the road or we WILL get stuck.” Well, instead of doing exactly what I had been told, I guess I did my own thing. I initially gave it some fuel, but then slowed down too much and the mud sucked us straight down. That dually and cattle trailer were stuck! I mean stuck! I was pretty upset with myself. All I could think was, “Oh my gosh, what if I’ve damaged this expensive rig.” We got out of the truck, surveyed the situation, and Keith moved into the driver’s seat. After much maneuvering and mud slinging, he was able to get the trailer where it needed to be and un-hitched from the truck. The truck was covered in mud from the top of the cab to the bottom of the tires all because I stopped when I should have kept moving. I didn’t listen to the advice of someone who had more experience than me. I learned some very important lessons today that apply to more than just pulling a cattle trailer through the mud. When we encounter the “muddy” situations in our lives, the best advice is don’t stop. Don’t stop praying and don’t stop listening. Prayerfully seek the advice from the true expert in every situation, our Heavenly Father. He guides us through the muddy situations in our lives when we seek Him, listen to Him, and accept His help and guidance. Don’t get stuck in your own muddy situation because you’re too stubborn or don’t listen to the directions. Don’t wallow in it. Keep on moving. Listen, learn, and do what you’ve been told. Maybe, just maybe, you won’t get stuck there again. Keith sprayed the truck off and for now it’s as clean as a farm truck can be. I do, however, owe the truck a proper washing. I suppose that’s the least I can do for creating amateur hour here at the farm.
“Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” Proverbs 16:20
“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13b-14
