TENDER LOVING CARE

One of the many fascinating aspects of the Swiss Alps was the story behind the dairy herds.  It seems in the summer, the farmer brings his animals high up on the mountain to graze on the lush green grass.



The cows are kept in a contained area by electrified fences built by the farmer-as shown above.  A lifetime of training has resulted in the cows knowing that one strand of wire should not be touched--or Z A P--it got you.  How would we know that--someone--of course--HAD to try it.



We continued seeing these small log cabins as we explored the trails high up the mountain.  They seemed unoccupied and were very small.  Someone finally told us the story, that they are used by the farmers  during the summer months for storage of the hay he cuts from the adjacent fields in anticipation of the coming winter snows. 



Since dairy cows and goats must be milked twice a day, someone has to be near enough to do this milking and to tend the herd.  Some of these small cabins seemed more occupied than the ones which only store hay.



They all served the same purpose of providing for the herd.  At the end of the short summer season, the herds are fed with the abundant hay gathered during the brief yet prolific growing season.  The farmer's one concern is the provision and care of his herd.



While we were in Gimmewald two cows walked off the ledge and fell to their death.  If you understand herd animals, you know they will follow a leader--even to their death unless protected.  

This paints a perfect picture of how God cares and provides for us throughout all seasons of our life.  The danger always lies in getting too close to the dangerous edge or following our peer without thinking for ourselves into danger.  We are promised in The Word--He will provide--ALL our needs---He will protect us--He will guide us--and all we have to do is keep our eyes upon Him---


The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1



4 comments

  1. Two points:

    I wish they put the notices warning you that the fence is electrified a bit lower down near the ground. That way, the dog could read it before raising his back leg to do his business on the electric wire.

    You are right about cows following each other. Years ago, I had a man working for me who had served in the army during World War II. I was a young lad and he was old enough to be my father; so he often told me tales about his war experiences. He said that once he was hiding with others near a field which had been mined. A herd of cows came along, following each other. Thr first cow stepped on a mine and was blown sky high - you can imagine the sight. The other cows first scattered and then continued walking until a second, third, fourth ... cows were also blown up.

    God bless you, Lulu.

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    1. Like sheep to the slaughtered or in this case cows. A perfect example of the danger of being a follower, Victor.
      Bless You, My Friend!

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  2. Such pretty photos (except for the deceased cows, wink)--a lovely reminder, Lulu of God's word. Have a beautiful day friend.

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    1. We did not actually see the cows who walked off the ledge-thankfully! All the other pics are from Gimmewald.
      Blessings, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!