Life Changes

Life Changes -- Oh, that can mean so many different things for different people. I have often questioned about WHY some changes happen. I think that God has a plan and we must learn to follow that plan. Walk by faith, if you will.

It has been a while since I have written an article due to many changes. After a conversation the other day with the infamous, and let's say encouraging, David Webster, I was inspired to sit down and start on this piece.

In August 2023 my husband got the notice that his place of employment of the past ten years, would be closing their doors. Now this wasn't our first rodeo with this. He had 30 years at Hostess when they closed in Columbus. But at the age of 60, finding a new job can be just a little intimidating. 

He put in several applications but had told me that there was one place that he thought he would really like to work. At his age, standing on an assembly line probably would not last long. R&L was where he wanted to go and the first place to call him for an interview. They hired him on the spot. Prayers answered!

In the meantime, of all of this happening, I had received a call from DSI. I had worked there for 22 years and left for several reasons. I went to a little factory. I loved the work and those that I worked with. One day I received a call from my old supervisor at DSI. Would I be willing to come back in a manager's position? I laughed. NO! Then things started happening where I was working.

I am a firm believer in God puts us where we are supposed to be. After a chain of events, I returned to DSI October 16, 2023.

I have never regretted it for a minute. There have been so many things happen since I have been back at DSI and it has given me an understanding of why God put that neon sign up for me to follow. (I told Him it was going to have to be a big sign because I'm not smart enough to see the little hints He sent.)

So, two new jobs for us in a matter of a month's time.

We are slowly making other changes in our lives. As we get older, at least for me, my mind says "Oh, girl, you can do this all day long. Age is just a number." And my body is saying "Girl, you better take it down a notch or two or they're going to be finding you on a heap of goat poo by noon!"

We have sold a third of our herd of goats. We are still cutting numbers. This is probably harder for me than changing jobs. Some folks don't understand, when you grow up in livestock, for some of us, it is part of your DNA. It is in your blood.

I first entered a showring when I was 3 years old. My dad handed me a small (600lb!) bull calf to show. Of course he was there with me, but from that day forward that ran deep in my veins. Many changes over the years, but I always had livestock in one form or another in my life. (Many folks don't know that I was a horse trail guide when I lived in Japan). So, cutting my beloved goats way back is a major change in life for me. And one of the most difficult things that I have had to personally make the choice of doing. I have always judged 10 - 15 goat shows per year. This year there will be four. Nationals is the only show that we are considering going to.

Another huge change. Our youngest, Ayana, moved out last fall. Okay, so maybe that one wasn't a bad thing! And she is just down the road.

I often say that this getting older isn't working out well for me. Being so active all of my life, slowing down is hard. It truly is not by choice, but my body demanding it. I have not been kind to my body, breaking calves to show, all those bales of hay I helped put in barns, the horses, the cliff diving, the stupid stunts as a kid, and the list goes on. It has taken a toll over the past 60 years.

But life has been a grand adventure. It has not always been pretty, fun and games, but I can honestly say, to this point, it has been incredible. God has brought people into my life that I needed. He has taken some out that I didn't need. And, when I let that stubborn, bull-headed mind of mine relax, and I would listen, God has always guided me to where I am supposed to be in life. Yes, there were times that I had more than I could handle. That was when He brought in those very special people that probably had no idea what they were truly there for. God put them there to get through when I knew that there was no way I was going to make it on my own. He has always put me where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be there.

I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. Many have asked, with some of the events that have taken place in my life, how I could have this mindset. Sometimes, when things happen, it isn't our reason. It may affect us, but the reason it happened isn't for us.

So many changes in 60 years. Good, bad and some ugly. But what an incredible adventure life has been. Always full of changes that are always for a reason.

I feel blessed that I have lived the life that I have. I am wiser than I was 30 years ago, but still have a long way to go in actually considering myself as a wise person. We should always get up every morning with the idea that we will learn something new in the day ahead. If we don't have that mindset, I believe that those life changes become much more difficult to understand and to deal with.

I think that we must learn to listen. Not just to people but listen to what God tells us. We might have to ask Him for that neon sign, but He will bring it to you. (I'll be honest here, when I went back to DSI it was more of a 2x4 to the forehead than a neon sign. That stubborn streak runs deep.)

"Be still and know that I am God" -- This is my favorite.

Take time to "be still". Life is too short not to listen. Life is full of changes. Learn to ride the adventure.

Blessings to you all!

Shelley Young

Lifetime Hopeite

Sharing life through love and laughter.