In the last three weeks of my life I have worn a cap and gown, graduated from Auburn University with my bachelor’s of science in agriculture communications, have signed a lease for an apartment, bought furniture and moved to Macon, Ga. to work for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. Whew! Wasn’t it just yesterday, I was learning how to brush, clip and fit my show calves. How I cherish going home to the farm now, not only to see the family, but to go out to the barn and help dad with the chores, like feeding the cows. That’s when it hit me. Life is like feeding the cows. Here, let me explain.

With a full 5-gallon bucket of soy hull pellets in hand, I open the aluminum gate and yell for the donor cows in the front lot to come up. What do they do? Of course, you guessed it, they all eagerly come running! It is a struggle to walk among them trying to get equal amounts of feed into each feed trough, especially with the boss cow always at my heals. I notice as she eats one mouth full from one trough, she is fervently following me to the next trough trying to get her fair share from each trough. No other cows try to stop her or get in her way, in fear of being put in their place. She is the one waiting at the gate in the morning, always the first one up in the evenings and she never fails to be at the hay ring the longest, chowing down on the peanut hay-she is like the energizer bunny that keeps going and going.

Picture your life like the feed bucket. In the morning, we are full of energy and enthusiasm and ready to give the day 110 percent. As we head out to do chores, go to the office or just getting the kids ready for school in the morning, each and every one of us begin to pour ourselves out in some form or another. This is what we are designed to do. It is our purpose to serve others and treat others like they we would want to be treated. This is feeding others needs and allowing them to utilize their talents and abilities.

As we begin 2010, let’s be reminded what we are filling our bucket with and what type of feed (characteristics) we are pouring out. Are you acting more like the boss cow, not letting anyone else lead or share their talents? Maybe this is a good time to mix in some new ingredients for a more balanced diet. Just some thoughts. Looking forward to making a few changes to my personal feed mixture in 2010!