Why do we do what we do?


Why do we do what we do?  Why do you do what you do?  Isn't that a question we all ask?  Lately the word LEGACY has been floating around in my mind.  I hear it on the radio, at church, in the beautiful livestock pictures on Pinterest... Legacy.

Our family has been busy lately.  Entirely too busy I might say!  Early this spring the kids and I gave a beef cooking demonstration at our local Extension Office, helped Shawn host a county livestock producer meeting, burned pastures, attended ballet practices and served on several local missions trips for our church.  We've started our garden and begun to think about summer 4-H projects.  Shawn traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the lobbying process for our local rural telecommunications company all the while preparing the farm ground for corn planting and taking care of necessary "spring cleaning" at the feedlot.

Life creeps up on you doesn't it!  Our advertising picture for the feedlot is a family portrait of all of us standing in front of the cattle pens.  We laugh about the fact that as our families grow we are constantly behind the ball when it comes to updating the ad picture!  If you're like us- even when the opportunity to take a picture presents itself, chances are not all of the family is still available, Or you've forgotten to charge the camera battery and can't take it anyway!

Our most recent family activity had nothing to do with the feedyard.  But after much reflection, I can say it has everything to do with leaving a legacy.  We just returned from western Nebraska for Shawn and Shane's grandfather- Wayne Tiffany's funeral.  I watched in amazement 80 plus people pack into the tiny chapel to honor this old cowboy.  After taking family pictures (yes, my battery was charged this time!) in the church basement we drove through the most beautiful wide open spaces on a "backroads" trip through the Sandhills.  Wayne's family, his pride, his blood, sweat and tears, his faith in God and sacrifice for doing what he loved shows through the generations and has been passed down with great reverence.  Our family has copies of his stories of ranching and raising his family that are irreplaceable and as we drove the sandy open range roads reading through them, I realized WE are his living legacy...

To me, this is why we do what we do.  We are continuing to live and pass along that legacy.  To serve those who need it most, to work hard to keep our promises- whether in business or friendship.  To take care of what God's entrusted us with... land, cattle, kids so that they too can leave a legacy.

Why do you do what you do?  Maybe it's to honor those you love.  Or maybe it's to get you from point A to point B in life.  Maybe it's not glamorous (think fresh cow patty!) but it's what needs to be done so that someone else has food on their table.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to slow down and reflect on why we are busy.  But... the cattle & kids are calling me again and I've gotta go!

Be blessed,
Nicky

Nicky is a friend of mine who guest blogs for me from time to time about Life in a Kansas Feedyard.  Keep checking back this year for regular updates on her family and their cattle!  -Debbie.

11 comments:

  1. thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your wonderful family

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  2. I love that first photo. You should do a reenactment (but it probably wouldn't be as cute)!

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    1. Kim, those are Nicky's kids and nieces and nephews--not my brood! Hers are still this size!!

      I think I may have to see about some reenactment photos of my kids--we have plenty of them piled up together as kids--might be funny to see what we come up with as grownups!!

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    2. Kim, thanks for the compliment! The girls were in tears having to hold the boys hands... My guess is in 15 years the boys won't want to be holding the girls hands!

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  3. Wow, I don't even know what to say! When I look at it like that- what kind of legacy am I really leaving with Danielle and Jimmy? Sure, I'm telling them to love the Lord and involving them in activities that I feel make that possible. But, I can't help but think I should be doing more. After all, their souls are at stake here! Do you ever get that feeling? Please, let me know...

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    1. You're absolutely right, Danny! I think as long as you are doing the right things for the right reasons your children will catch your passion for life. I believe your children will thank you for those efforts long after the memories of material things wear off!

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  4. We have so many spring to do farm things on our list we have trouble getting every item on list finished. Hopefully, things will slow down a little! I always feel so good when I think we are nearly done and on to the next "thing"!

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    1. WC- I'm beginning to realize my list never gets checked off completely, I just keep adding to it! That feeling of accomplishment is so nice though!

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  5. Thats a great description of why we do what we do, Its great to live in the rural communities across this land.. The scenes presented are real life,
    I enjoy your post and appreciate you comments and work.

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  6. Thank you Michael! There are many times I allow myself to get lost in the romance of this lifestyle... Then reality comes crashing into my day dream with the sounds of hungry kids and cattle! Take care!

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