Abandoned but Not Forgotten
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Having grown up on a farm, I learned all about the birthing of calves. However, I never saw a mama abandon her baby. I’m sure it happens but fortunately I missed that event. I started thinking about how I sometimes feel empty and alone but Janet Holm McHenry (All God’s Creatures) reminded me that these are just human feelings. She shares a heart-warming story of His faithfulness.
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My rancher husband, Craig, brought me a living Valentine’s week present. No, it wasn’t a puppy or a kitten. It was the largest newborn angus calf he’d ever seen in nearly 40 years of ranching.
He was feeding his cattle in the middle of a brutal snowstorm early that evening when he noticed a heifer trying to give birth. So he moved the mama-to-be outside the corral next to the haystacks, which provided some protection from the storm. Suddenly, she stumbled and fell, so Craig was able to pull on the two calf legs sticking out and bring the large bull calf into the world. But that first-time mom ran away like the dickens, so Craig brought the large calf home—rubbing him down and settling him in the bathtub. Two days later Craig took him back to the ranch, but the mom wouldn’t take her calf, so Craig continued bottle feeding before he could eventually get a dairy cow to take on an extra. It’s not unusual, he said, that first-time mama cows walk away from their calves. What was unusual about that calf—which I named Hungry—was that he immediately took to the bottle, taking everything he could get, sucking it nonstop.
Like that abandoned calf, we might also feel a bit forsaken. Perhaps a relationship dissolves. Or a long-time friendship gradually dissipates. We might even think that God has ignored our cries for help if our prayers go unanswered. But instead, He is faithful to love us, provide for our needs, and direct our steps when we are confused. Like a good rancher, He does not forget us and will hold us to Himself when others seemingly walk away.
Loving Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness. AMEN.