My Heart Took Delight in all my Work

and this was the reward for all my labor.  Ecclesiastes 2:10 NIV.  What a wonderful night to be outside!  Even though it was only 37 degrees out, there was no wind and everything was settled and calm.  Few clouds, peeks of sunshine, just plain beautiful.  As the verse in Ecclesiastes says:  I took delight in my work - and that was reward enough.  It was just beautiful beyond reward working outside and enjoying the bounty of nature that God has given us.  I took one of the geldings out for a once-over in one of the hayfields.  We wanted to see if the alfalfa had wintered over and not winter-killed with the last cold spell that we had.  The dogs were happy to join us, taking in all of the sights and smells of the damp earth as evening began to settle in.  When we came in the driveway, I dismounted and patted the gelding on the rump as he headed to the barn to wait for me.  This is our nightly ritual when I head out for a late ride after chores.  He waits for me to dismount, then when I unlatch the gate and put the lead-line on the stallion, he waits for a pat on the rump and heads up to the barn a few steps ahead of us.  The old stallion enjoys the company of another horse as we head up to the barn together.  Once the grass grows a bit taller, I'll turn the two out together in the outdoor arena.  The two get along rather well and it's good for the stallion's psyche to have company.  They romp up and down the field once or twice, then settle in for side-by-side munching, passing the hours of the day together.  Once evening comes and it's time to head in, I just have to put a line on the stallion and let the gelding head up to the barn ahead of us.  I think the stallion would like me to let him go on his own too, but I think if the wind was just right, he'd catch the scent of the mares down the road at the neighbor's place and I'd have a chase on my hands!  So - we play it safe!

It was so peaceful and relaxing to just linger in the horse barn after everyone was in their stall munching away on their supper.  Just the monotonous chore of raking down the alleyway can be a way to meditate in a sense.  Enjoying the end of another spring day.  Relaxing.  All is Well.  Giving each horse a final scratch on the cheek (or pulling that piece of burdock out that somehow managed to make it all the way through winter and end up in my old horse's mane) is a great way to bid good night to one and all in the horse barn for the evening.

We are so blessed.  I hope that you find joy and pleasure in your evening rituals as the evening enfolds around you and you feel the blessings of family and the warmth of God as it surrounds you.  Good night.