Here we are, coming up on “babywatch.” It’s just a matter of days before eight spring lambs will make their appearance and farm life will be exponentially more chaotic and joyful. We punctuate the hours with welfare (and udder!) checks on the ewes and by prepping the barn and lambing jugs for the big event. But for the most part, we’re simply biding the time.
This particular week of waiting comes with the arrival of the Lenten season, a time when we commemorate the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness — praying, suffering, and being tempted by Satan. No sooner had Jesus been baptized by John with heavenly fanfare and the likeness of a dove when the Holy Spirit promptly drove him into the desert. Talk about spiritual whiplash! Jesus, however, rises and obeys, knowing it’s only a matter of time before his ministry will kick into high gear — before he will fully accomplish that gruesome and glorious task for which he was sent by his Father. In a way, he too is biding the time until “his hour” comes …
We’re all biding our time in some way. Some of us are anticipating the birth of a child (or lambs!). Others are keeping vigil, awaiting the passing of a loved one. Perhaps we’re counting the days till school ends, retirement comes, or a wedding day arrives. Maybe we’re biding our time hoping to be healed. Often, waiting is the hardest part.
But in his divine wisdom, Jesus doesn’t bide his time alone. Having withstood Satan’s temptations, he emerges from the desert and surrounds himself with his chosen twelve friends/disciples (and a few thousand more), whose company makes his burden light and whose faith in him makes it all worthwhile.
In a similar way, God gives us friends (and Himself!) to help calm our anxieties and make our waiting bearable. In our case, he’s given us not only friends but also a vibrant Valais community with whom to share the experience of bringing these beautiful creatures into the world and into the lives of farm families across the country.
Whatever it is you’re waiting for, you don’t need to wait alone. In a riff on a favorite song, we can “bide” with a little help from our friends. 😉 🐞
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
P.S. Friends, please lift our mommas and babies in your prayers for safe deliveries and healthy lambs. (Due date, March 16th) Thank you! 🙏 💚
Thank you for your wonderful analogy with Jesus and the Easter season ! Prayers next week goes well !