By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com

It is a season of rush just about year-round in today’s modern society, but it seems to get particularly noticeable during the Christmas season. Even when operating on hyper-speed there just does not seem there will be enough time to get everything done. Between the regular responsibilities of work, family, church, pets, household, and friends we must add preparation for programs, presents, and holiday planning. I have an age-old solution for the overwhelming rush.

When things get too busy for me, I just put on my jacket and go outside to our goat barn for a break from humanity. There is nothing better than just sitting in the barn and watching nature as the tick-tocks slow down to a calming pace. I am an official goat watcher, which means I am allowed to just sit and watch our dairy goats eat, settle personality differences, and find the perfect sunny spot to stretch out in the hay for a nap. It is amazingly restful to just watch animals in the quiet of the barn.

Once I have settled myself onto a hay bale or overturned bucket and sat quietly for a moment, I begin to notice the sparrows chirping overhead or the barn cat silently stalking mice near the grain barrel. I could spend hours just watching only the goats as well. There is a certain hierarchy system within the goat herd, ongoing power struggle that never ceases to entertain one who stays quiet enough to watch.

Every herd has a queen, and ours is Black-Eyed Susan (Suzi for short). She moves regally from choice position at the hay feeder to the best fenceline scratching post while her deputies take care of business clearing others from her path. Suzi is a good queen and rarely acts the bully, but her henchmen are a different story. Ironically, it is the doe named Patience who seems to be Suzi’s VP of security, and Patience is always fighting with someone who dares get in the way. There is Amicia, the large snow-white princess of the herd who follows Suzi around, part of her inner social circle, and Patience, of course, the hard-headed peace keeper who operate as the boss committee. The problem-causers are often the newer members of the herd. Mischief, Icing on the Cake, and Nimbus, never pass up an opportunity to butt heads or slam each other, or those around them, in an inaudible put-down. They plot to infiltrate the boss committee and take over “first at the gate” duties on a regular basis. Body slamming, ear pulling, hoof pawing, and head butts are outright offensive moves in daily herd dynamics. It is quite entertaining.

There are great moments of peace in the goat barn as well. While there is likely some sort of political maneuvering during every session of goat watching I have undertaken, once the tiffs are settled, peace reigns. Does (the female goat herd is separate from the males) nestle down in fresh bedding that smells of summer pasture and native Kansas grass after getting their fill of alfalfa at the feeders. Friends drape their heads over each others necks, or lay back-to-back for extra warmth as cud-chewing ensues.

In every life there must be a little upheaval in order for perfect peace to reign and this is played out in the goat barn every day. We can take a cue from the goats. Rather than get caught up and overwhelmed by the rush of this holiday season, try to enjoy each part of it and then make sure to take time to slow down and do a little cud-chewing as well. After all, Christmas started as a celebration of the greatest gift ever, the birth of the Jesus Christ who came to bring restoration and salvation to all people. And he was born in a barn. That is fun to consider as I sit in my own barn watching sparrows in the rafters, smelling the hay and animals, and listening to much more than just the noises of goats eating.

It is helpful to take the time to find a quiet space to listen to God this Christmas season, and to be thankful for the greatest gift of all.

Luke 2:11-12

11Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! 12And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”