Lift the Cow

Writing a blog everyday is difficult. I feel like I need to be witty or clever or insightful, but some days I’m just not. I taught English this morning. Went for a run in the middle of the day=had to take a second shower. Counted product and climbed on boxes to measure the crocodile puppet. Read Pinocchio to some kids. Walked to the lake. And that was the day. I feel happily exhausted and ready for bed.

So like any good story teller would do, I will retell a story that I treasure. Since my first reading in the middle of June, the summer before I started college and my collegiate track career, this story has encouraged me to keep starting, keep going, and keep striving for perfection.

Somewhere along a highway in Eastern Washington lived a farmer and his cow. Now his cow had a special place in his heart for it was a partner in business and personal growth and constant companion. One day a man drove down the road to see the farmer and his cow standing next to a sign that said:
"Will lift cow for $100."
The man pulled over, finding the statement both silly joke and an impossible challenge. He asked the farmer if the cow was real or if the sign was some kind of gag. The farmer let the man try and lift the cow. The man could not even budge the fully grown cow from its spot and so determined to pay the farmer $100 to see him meet the challenge. Agreeing to lift the cow for a minute off the ground, the farmer moved behind the animal. Slowly, he put his arms under the cow's belly and gently lifted her off the ground six inches where they remained for a minute.
As the farmer set the cow back on its feet, the man stared in amazement. Not only did he lift the cow, but the farmer could hold it and not waver. The man congratulated the farmer on a tremendous effort. He told the farmer he would pay him, but he wanted to know the secret to his success.
The farmer took a deep breath and replied:
"When this cow was born, its mother died. I knew it would not survive without its mothers milk, warmth or constant touch, so I became its mother. Everyday I picked up the calf and carried it to my home where I fed it milk and warmed it by the fire. Everyday, the calf grew stronger and stronger. When the cow grew old enough to eat grass with the other cows, I would carry it out to the field and carry home. I picked up the cow everyday. Some days when it snowed, I did not want to trudge out in the cold to get the cow, but I knew it would suffer. Some days the heat felt overwhelming. And some days I just did not feel like getting the cow, but I knew it was a task I had committed to from day one. Even though it grew bigger and bigger, I did not notice because its growth was very small from day to day. Those who would try to lift the cow now would fail, but over time the task is not so impossible."

Working out, going into a new job or relationship, or reaching a life goal can be like the farmer and his cow. With each day, you will grow stronger and stronger. The goal that seemed impossible and so hard to attain is coming true. Sometimes, however, the hardest thing about the new journey is taking the first step off your front porch. Start now. Keep at it. The challenges will get bigger, but the strength you gain along the way will give you the ability to succeed.