To my Followers (both farm and non-farm, foreign and neighbors):

Thank you for opening my eyes to what I have, those things I am blessed with, and how things are outside of my “bubble” I call ranch life. It’s pretty easy to lose sight of everything we are blessed with when we see the same things on a daily basis. Not that each person’s blessings are any less than the next, for each is special and unique.

Daily ranch life for me includes caring for and feeding my livestock, my dog that seems to always be on the move with “selective-hearing,” pastures with weeds, beavers that dam up creeks, cows that need attention, equipment that breaks, hay crops drying up, and trees falling on fences. It’s never-ending work that can wear on those who do not embrace the life and task at hand.

Two cowboys worked the exact same ranch and rode the exact same string of horses. They gathered the same cattle in the same pastures and slept in the same bunk house every night.

But one cowboy was miserable and the other was happy. Why?

Because one cowboy focused on the never-ending work and the other cowboy thanked God for the never-ending ride.

Are you lookin’ at the job or the ride?

–via Campfire Cowboy Ministries

 

I want to look forward to the ride, not only be focused on what I’m doing today, but look forward to where I’m headed.

At the auction barn this week, a guy pulled in and asked to take some photos of cattle in our pens. After a bit I walked over to talk to him. Turns out he’s a blogger who loves photography even more than I do (check out his blog!). As Jeff was telling me about trips to his grandparents to visit the cows and how enjoyed seeing a trailer full of calves pass by in town, I was reminded how I take things for granted. Hauling cattle to town, I get frustrated with drivers not courteous of the trailer. I may complain when my tractor overheats and the a/c doesn’t work. Despite all the hard and difficult times, mine is a life so many would love to have.

I don’t write this to put down your way of life if you live in town, or only visit your grandparents farm. I don’t want to be high and mighty in thinking everyone should be jealous of my life. I just want to say thank you for reminding me to appreciate what I have and not take it for granted.

My day job may be more fun than your vacation, but there’s no guarantee it’ll be that way forever.

**All photos in this post courtesy of Jeff Montgomery.

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Published by Ryan Goodman

Ryan Goodman works in grassroots advocacy as a communications consultant with beef cattle farmers and ranchers across the United States. He is a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University, with studies focusing on cattle reproduction and nutrition. Ryan's experience in the beef industry range from family farms and ranches in several states to large feedlots and non-profit policy organizations. Ryan is an avid trail and ultrarunner, proudly showing how beef can be an important part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Find Ryan on social media as @BeefRunner.