Thank You

Today is a special day. On Rolf and Ilse's farm about 40 miles to the northwest, a steer will be taken to feed our family over the coming months.

We shall go "deep" here. If you are not in a place to go deep or consider these things, you may want to skip this entry. If you are curious or opening to these things, prepare for the ride. As with all of our entries, these are our thoughts. It is not our intention to force our view of the world upon others. These are simply our views of the world and our way of being in it. Here we go...

While once numb to these things, our views of meat, animals, and family farms have surely changed over the years. These are some of the underpinnings of our thinking. They are different from those held commonly in popular culture. They are thoughts which help us live life as a sacred gift and bring peace into every step.

In the web of life which supports our being, for something to live, something else must die. Animals that die offer a sacred gift that we may live. As we look at this link, we see a growing bond with such beautiful creatures. That bond merges into an enormous sense of gratitude and humility. We are compelled to make sure the animals are treated well with dignity and respect. They are happy while they are here. That means free range and organic as much as possible. The land and people who bring the animals to us must also be treated with respect and dignity.

In traditional cultures, there is a deep understanding and appreciation of this vital exchange. For something to be taken, something also must be given. It could be a simple acknowledgement, a spoken thank you to the creature and to the Divine Being. Or it could be an intentional action along the path.

At the point of giving by the steer today and with each bite we take, we thank you, beloved Creator, creature, family and land which sustains us. We will do our best to make sure we honor that sacred gift in every step.