When I enter the pasture at feeding time, the animals all come running. Feeding time is always “controlled chaos” as everyone acts as though they haven’t eaten in days instead of hours. Never mind that they live in a food bowl since they free range in an acre of orchard grass hay!
The ducks want the dog food, the dog wants the goat food, the goats want the chicken food and the chickens want anything they can catch in the flurry of wagging tails, flying feathers and stomping hooves. Giving medicines are a whole different story. No matter how I try to disguise the medicine, vaccine or vitamin – they seem to know that I’m up to something.
There are different ways to administer the various, necessary medications and supplements. Some medications are given by mouth, others are “pour on” (absorbed through the skin), and still others require shots (needle and syringe). I learned new techniques and new terms. S.Q. (subcutaneous) is a needle given under the skin. I.M is a needle given into the muscle (intramuscular). We had a helper come to the farm several years ago and teach us about the “I.T.A.” technique for beginners. I.T.A. is the all important fall-back method. You do whatever you can do to get it “In-the-Animal”.
Tonight, while I was chasing MaiTai around the pasture with a tube of copper gel (I am a constant source of entertainment for our neighbors), I remembered our helper and his wonderful advice. I am sure some perfectionists will cringe at this, but sometimes you just have to do whatever it takes to get it done. Get. It. Done.
Cross the finish line, end the bad relationship, cut the ties, ask forgiveness, give forgiveness, take the job, leave the job, walk away from the temptation, start the business, open the book,…anything fit yet? Don’t draw out a decision that needs to be made until you are so overwhelmed with the details that you can’t see straight any more. It might be a little messy, but get it done according to His Word and then, move forward. God is going to honor your faithfulness and your endurance, not whether or not your efforts were perfect.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8.
