He was tacking on a shoe. I’m packing the ice chest. Cold water, a lunch, just incase we get stuck down at headquarters. Probably because this has happened in the past and I’ve learned my lesson. I’ve learned many things since being out here and finding myself stuck. The truck breaks down and it’s a seven mile hike back to the house. The water is not pumping to the trough. A cow having trouble calving. I have learned when we are out, it could take longer than expected. Sometimes, like this morning, I am near the house, so it gives me a chance to write.
I’m not always fortunate enough to be near the house, while I’m waiting. I’ve learned when I can help and when I can’t. I’m good at getting tools out of the truck when there’s a windmill to repair. I’ve even overcome my fear of heights and have lugged pipe wrenches up the tower to my man, as he holds a red rod in place. I climb back down, not to get to far if he calls for another tool. But what ever it is that you find yourself waiting on, you may find the urge to waste time. I have come up with a few things to occupy myself while I wait and here’s the list of the top ten.
10. Listen to a Podcast. Did you know that you can download a podcast? A sermon, the Bible, music, or just about anything. Use that valueable time in the ranch truck to learn. Some podcast we download from itunes, Focus on the Family: Focus on Marriage, WallBuilders Live! with David Barton, and This Is Your Life with Michael Hyatt.
9. Bring along a Book. Even if you are waiting on the boss, you can get in a quick read between searching for baling wire and duct tape.
8. Clean out the Ranch Truck. Probably won’t get it all done, but if you have an empty feed sack, which who doesn’t? It gives you time to go ahead and dig underneath the seats and pull out whatever crawled up and died. Have you had your tetanus?
7. Organize Tool Boxes. We have a couple different tool boxes. One strictly for windmill parts, one for truck troubles. Broken floats, stripped screws, and old pieces of intertube, that are too dry to wrap around a saddle horn, can be tossed in the trash. If he’s up on the windmill tower, he won’t see you put it in the feed sack. Be careful not to throw out anything you’re not sure about, we have counseled couples for this very reason!
6. Serenade Him. Does he need a little comic relief to loosen the lines on his forehead? Here’s your opportunity. Who says romance isn’t alive and well on the ranch. I’m sure he’d appreciate such a gesture. Um, if he doesn’t ……did I mention counseling?
5. Break Out Some Jumping Jacks. I didn’t want to admit it but I do some odd little exercises. You should see how he looks at me when I do this one. Long ranch roads can make you sleepy, especially if it’s hot.
4. Bring a Camera. This is one of my favorite. I love taking pictures while we are waiting for cattle to come in. Pictures for memories, for post, to show the grandkids. Pictures to remind us of ranchin’!
3. You Could Streak! Some of you are asking the question……..is she really a pastor’s wife?…….and the answer would be, “YES!” You want to see the hoe hum turn to instant amusement, you can try this one. Shoes are required, it’s rough without them! Now that border patrol has set up camera to catch illegals. I’ve had to rule this one out. I’m not for being incognito when I go thru the checkpoint!
2. Have Some Good Conversation. All joking aside, this is one of my favorite things. We talk about everything, from church, the ranch, our family, politics, history, and a whole host of other things. Good conversation with your spouse other than the to-do list is enjoyable, rewarding, and even comical. Remember conversation was the beginning of your relationship and that it will last for years to come.
1. Just Pitch In and Help Him Out. Of coarse this is number one. I’ve learned so much from my man. He grew up ranching and I didn’t, and he has taught me how to change floats, tires, tie different knots…I’m still practicing! And things I can’t even count. I have much more to learn and need as much practice as possible!!
Honestly there are many things you can do while you’re waiting but are they productive? Sometimes we forget the most important thing we are waiting on…..Christ return. Keep your supply of oil on hand (Matt. 25:1-13) and continue to be effective (1Cor. 16:9), in your walk with Him
Well he’s down there tacking on a shoe and I am strongly lacking in farrier experience. “Hold on honey, comic relief is on the way!”
What do you do to occupy yourself when you’re waiting? Even if it’s not on the ranch, what ways do you use your waiting time? Love hearing from you and thank you to all my new subscribbers! ……thecowboypastorswife
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