Quiet

by Michele Boy | June 8, 2023

It’s quiet in town. It’s as if the world left to go on vacation. I can hear birds chirping, a gentle rain shower, and peace is rushing through me. 
Last week my daughter had basketball camp and sheep shows. For the past couple months It was go, go, go, the paper had to get out, chores, and more. 
When we got home, we were exhausted but still had to clean out the trailer.  I was so tired , my heart hurt. 
I slept well! Then Monday was go, go, go again. On Tuesday I noticed that spirit of rushing was still in me but I didn’t need it. 
I drove around town for errands and admired all the flowers and potted plants. I slowed down enough to notice colors, people tending to their yards, a lanky, black cat arching his back, and lazing in the middle of a road. 
I took a couple deep breaths and realized some days are nonstop but others it’s ok to slow it down a bit. It’s a gift. 
Have you stopped to admire the sunset?  Take it in. 
I took time, picked up my book and read. 
I decided that as much as possible I would try to spend the summer delivering a quality eight page paper because I need a little downtime. I want to swim with my daughter, feel the sun on my face, and build memories. 
The quiet is nice. 
  After a full week of basketball camp, friends, work, and livestock shows, we came back to the barn to unload. 
I was a little bummed after our spring sheep shows because I thought she could have done better. 
My daughter said mom interview me. I laughed and said ok what do you want to say. She said I love raising livestock. I asked why. She said I think it’s a good life skill. I like being part of helping to feed people, and I love to play with them. Sheep are my favorite animal. 
  When I get caught up in winning or pushing her to do better, I need to remember we raise livestock for bigger reasons than banners or buckles. And while I absolutely love her to win more, it took my daughter reminding me of the bigger picture. I am so proud of her attitude, her love of sheep, life, basketball, school, and more. 
  We aren’t the best out there. We won’t ever be. Someone will always be better, win more, and I am truly happy for them. 
Sometimes it’s just a great reminder where we are at. We are at home with each other, happy at the barn with our animals, and joyful that God has given us such a beautiful life. She loves to show sheep, feed and care for them, and hopes to pursue a degree in animal science one day. 
 I think all the quiet is time to reflect, restore, and refresh. 
Sometimes that means getting away to a beach or traveling. And sometimes it means stopping to enjoy where you are at, who you are with, and just playing a game, reading a book, or enjoying the moment. 
In the world that seems to get faster and faster, slowing down and enjoying the moment feels like the most beautiful gift of all.