Happy Cows

“He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.”
Psalm 104:13-15

On a road trip through prime cattle country, a friend and I commented on how happy and contented the cattle were. So content, that they were just lying down in the tall grass that surrounded them in their pastures.

There is something to be learned from happy cows. You see cows don’t really need alfalfa hay or big fancy barns to be happy. They just need the basics – a field of grass and a place to get a drink of water. The Lord is happy to provide that for them and He is happy to provide all we really need to be happy and content, if we let him. We humans struggle with being happy and content – I know I do anyway. The world tells us we need this car, that toothpaste, this designer’s clothes – the list can go on and on. For many it is a never ending search to find the thing that will make us both happy and content - the thing that will make us so content that we can actually rest. Paul in his first letter to Timothy says: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

Where are you this week? Are you happy and content like cattle in a grassy field or are you chasing after something the world says you need? Are you worried or relaxed? Maybe it’s time for a road trip to cattle country or the mountains or the ocean – places where you can see the amazing things God is happy to provide the other creatures of the world with everything they need to be content and happy.

This week I think I am just going to lie down – or at least slow down and enjoy all the He has provided for me. I think I will be like those happy cows.

A Prayer
Father – Thank you for allowing the rest of your creation to teach us about your amazing ability to provide for us. Thank you for really being all we need for happiness and contentment. In those times when we think it’s better to chase after the things of the world – fancier cars, bigger houses, designer clothes – help to slow down, take us on a road trip to remind us that food, clothes and shelter are the basics for happy and content life. Remind us that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt are good enough, that a burger and fries make a satisfying meal and that any kind of roof is better than no roof. Once we are content, help us to show others what it means to live a happy cows kind of life. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.