Staying warm out there right now, Reader, takes intention.

I think sometimes we all assume everyone else has found an easier way. I'm sure I assume that of others — and maybe others assume that of me. But the truth is, some things are just work. And that isn’t bad. In fact, it’s good.

We’re in the middle of another bitter cold snap. Right now, it is eight below, with northwest winds looking to drive the windchill down near thirty below. The constant wind cuts through everything, and even simple chores are harder. Benjamin & I have been breaking water every five hours to keep it flowing for our animals. It’s work just to move. Long underwear, jeans, coveralls — layers on layers — and still, the cold seeps into me.

The ground is frozen and seemingly barren, except for little wisps of brown grass peeking out between the drifts. And yet, when we roll out hay, the scent of summer hits my nose — sweet, dry, green — a memory of sunny days carried into these gray, harsh ones.

This is bale grazing season for us. Benjamin places the bales strategically out on the snow-covered pasture a few at a time. The cows walk out to eat every day, spreading out instead of crowding together at a feed trough. They distribute manure naturally, leave behind a little wasted hay that feeds the soil, and nourish grass that’s resting now but will come alive again in spring.

The cattle are built for this winter stuff. So well insulated that when they stand out on a snowy day, it doesn’t even melt on their backs. A layer of fat wrapped in thick hide; plus, big fluffy coats filled with tiny pockets of air — good design at work.

Chores are tough right now. There’s no pretending otherwise. But as I pull on my layers and step into the cold, I often think how blessed I am to live a life where, rain or snow or shine, I’m forced out into God’s creation. Where the seasons set the pace.

I like raising beef this way. Slowly. Intentionally. In rhythm with the land and the seasons. It’s perhaps not the easiest or most efficient way — but it is honest work. And that's good.

Warmly,
Leah