One wonderful part of working as a reporter is that I work in dairy country. We get to get out and sniff the money in the air, often called "dairy air" or "derriere." Smelling it almost weekly is one thing. I am not squeemish, nor do I mind getting dirty if it is absolutely necessary. But, today, I had the personal experience of being on a dairy, and I feel for the people who live or work there daily. I was interviewing a bovine vet. He was checking the reproductive health of cows that had given birth in the last 60 days, the progress of pregnant cows and the status of cows that have recently been inseminated. NOT a glamour job.
Sparing details, it was enlightening (for lack of a better word). But, that is like life! Some times we just have to get in the muck and manure to get to what is best for us. In this case, the muck and manure brought about a good interview (on which I get to expand tomorrow during further experience with the same vet checking his report card on post surgery cows). And, I have a greater appreciation for what dairy farmers deal with in order to provide the population with milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and the rest of the dairy family on which we so desperately depend. Those precious nutrients in our dairy products are the result of a lot of hard work and someone getting into the muck and manure for us.
So, we have to sometimes do the same, figuratively speaking, to gain the necessary nutrients for our spiritual lives. It isn't always pleasant. We may not even wish to "go there." But, what we deprive ourselves of is enrichment by avoiding it. An example of this may be visiting a homeless shelter nearby. It might not be a pleasant environment. But, our lives might be enriched by helping those who need that shelter like the vet needs to help the cows who live in the muck.
There are other environments or situations that may not be pleasant. But, facing them may help us to become better people and more of what God wants us to become. Perhaps we may not gain from the experience as much as someone else might through our witness.
Something to think about anyway ...
2 comments:
Our little town of Gaston quite often smells like "dairy air." That's a cute way to put it!
I used to watch the "All Creatures Great and Small" series on PBS. I learned more about cows (and other animals, but especially cows) than I ever wanted to!
Keep using your gifts, Jen, and getting down in the muck of journalism. This is great training to be a writer!
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