There is a narrow point, extending into Possum Kingdom Lake, from an uninhabited peninsula. The point of land grows as a drought causes the lake to recede. Standing on our deck one day, as I looked toward the point, I saw a cow standing near the water, and another cow further back near the line of vegetation. I was surprised because I had never seen an animal anywhere near the point. There was, I had noticed, a small herd of cattle far back on a grassy stretch of land on the peninsula, high above the lake. The exposed point has existed only since the drought: a few months. The cows appeared to have wandered from the herd and arrived at the water’s edge at the point. It wasn’t too long before another and another cow descended from the grass above to the point at the lake’s edge. Eventually seven cows made the trip before two of them turned back and disappeared into the vegetation.

Most of the cows had taken a drink from the lake and then seemed bewildered at finding themselves at lakeside; but finally, with some loud bellowing, they all returned to the higher ground and even to the pasture above. Among the group were too quite small calves. I was filled with a sense of privilege for having seen this, and a great sense of the vulnerability of the cows. What could I possibly do if a mishap occurred in their trip down the cliff to the water and back? As far as I could tell there were no other witnesses to this early morning event.

“I know that you have but little strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8)

“Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.” (Psalm 50:10)

The cattle on the field across from where I stood seemed small from the distance, and the scripture reminded me that someone other than myself knew them and claimed them. It was an incident that seemed to make the distance between earth and heaven shorter; I knew that I wouldn’t have to care for or worry about the fate of the cows, but that I could simply rejoice in seeing even more of God’s creation in seeing them. To be reminded of the “littleness” of my strength, and the largeness of God’s strength and understanding, brought perspective and even relief. To inhabit a world with God in Christ is to find your best self.

Love in Him,

Prue