We were on the desert on December 23rd. It was warm (that was shocking!) and beautiful and sunny. And it was full of cows and family and quiet. I was grateful for the time to look around for a few hours and just be out where it was still and calm.
2025 was a rough year for our family for a variety of reasons, but there is one thing that restores hope and energy back into my life. That one thing is just being outside with God. I can finally put down my to do list and my worries and just look around at the task at hand. When I admire all He has made for us, and the complexity, colors, textures, and life--it somehow silences my mind and allows me to see how wonderful things are. Moving cows and keeping things close to the land. It feels so good.
When stresses press upon me, I sometimes forget how much I have been given. Which is a lot. I have healthy and talented children. They can drive me bonkers and I wonder if I am doing things right, but mostly--they are THE BEST GIFT I have ever been given. I get to be with them every day and it is a miracle to me. Then to be out on the land, able to work with animals and more family--it is a wonder and a blessing. I know that isn't even close to reality for most families. I don't want to just put it aside in my rush to keep life afloat.
As I reflect on 2025, I really do feel protected and blessed. I feel like hard things have brought me closer to what really matters, and they have helped me shift in many ways that I have gotten off course. Changing is hard at any point in life, but especially when you're in the thick of raising kids and trying to keep businesses and extended families and faith intact. I know from experience that being on this ranch heals and changes a lot of things that need fixing.
I am trying to commit to a better year with more of the ranch and more working with my hands and heart. More time for things that last and bear fruit, and less time on things that distract and take me away from growth. What a beautiful life when we are out here doing what matters most with those that matter the most.
