By faith and not by sight.

How much of our christian lives do we live by faith? That's a question that has been going through my mind for some time now. It seems with all the technological advances these days, we have transformed into a society that has to see to believe and needs to know everything that is going on. If I dare say, we have all, in some way or another, turned into a doubting Thomas.

What happened to living by faith and not by sight? Instead of laying awake tossing and turning at night worrying about what the next day brings, why aren't we on our knees before our Heavenly Father, putting or anxieties into His hands and getting sleep at night? 2 Corinthians says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight."

Much of this thinking stems from what is going on in my life and the uncertainty that it brings. Starting July 1, I become self employed. There will be no more guaranteed paychecks, no paid benefits,  or no yearly bonuses. From now on, it's all earning a living with my own two hands. Walking away from a year around, salaried job isn't easy, but I feel that is where Christ is leading me. Many people have been surprised, including my boss, that I am leaving my current job. Yet, everyone I talk with supports me in my decision.

With all the uncertainty of this new endeavor brings, my mind rests in scripture. "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" Colossians 3:17 And also in Colossians 3:23-24 "Whatever you do, work heartily for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Still waiting...

The kennel sits empty in the entry way with a blanket folded neatly inside. A container of treats sits atop the kennel where one was taken from each evening when we got in from checking cows before bed. There is no nose prying its way between my arm and thigh as I try and tie my boots each morning. I don't hear the click of paws on the kitchen floor coming to greet me each morning at the bottom of the stairs. The list could really go on and on as the dog was by my side all the time when I was around. If I was working on something, she'd lay in the grass and watch me. If I was checking pastures, she was bouncing through the grass right along side of me.

I am still waiting for Meg to be by my side again. Meg was a pure bred Border Collie that I received last Labor Day and died as the result of an accident last Friday night. As some very close friends sold their farm and moved to town, they needed a place for their dog. My parents and I willingly accepted the dog. After going six years without a dog, I was quite surprised how fast I got back into the routine of having a dog on the place again.

Many people say that it's just a dog and I'll find another. Yet, those who understand that a farm dog is much more than a pet, know that a farm dog is hard to replace.

Yes, it did take this long for the reality of Meg being gone to really hit me. Why? I am just too busy. With work, the farm, and life; the level of stress at the moment is so far above my head tonight that I can't even see how high it is. (Hence why I am still awake at this hour of the night.)