Hoof trimming is an important goat management chore at the farm. Like our fingernails, the goat hoof is made of keratin and grows daily. Overgrown hooves will make walking uncomfortable or painful. Untrimmed hooves can lead to hoof “rot” and cause a variety of leg and even hip problems for the goat. Goats that are shepherded on dry, sandy, rocky terrain (like the Middle East) and goats living in the wild (mountain goats) don’t need their hooves trimmed. Those goats naturally wear down their hooves by miles of walking and climbing. My goats live on one acre of soft, green pasture grass, lounge in the sun all day and wait for me to bring them treats and fill their hay feeders. My goats need regular pedicures.
Today was hoof-trimming day. The goats know the routine. They hop onto the stanchion and nibble treats. I brush them out and Jay trims each hoof. It’s a regular “spa day” for my herd. Doesn’t a spa day sound amazing – or is it just me?! I would just LOVE a spa day!
Pampering and primping is not the spiritual lesson though (bummer). I am learning the value of nurturing/developing our God-given gifts so that we can walk with holy boldness. I think it is human nature to struggle with “our purpose in life” at some point. If that is you now, may I suggest: start by looking at (1.) WHAT God has given you (natural bents, talents and desire) and (2.) WHERE He has placed you.
1.You are good at something and you are passionate about something. Name three things___. Now think about what you can do (“make every effort”) to develop your skills and talents. How can you be better at what you are already good at? Guess what, now you are working WITH God and His purposes for you!
2. Someone else will benefit from your gifts and abilities when they are shared with love and grace. So, where are you? Consider your family, neighborhood, community, work place…where are you able to share. And now you are a MINISTER of God’s loving kindness, shining a light to His grace and mercy! All because you are using and developing (nurturing) the purpose to which He called you! You are AMAZING!!!!
“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all my see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Tim. 14-16
