Walking cattle trails yesterday had my mind wandering farther than trails could ever lead.

Oh, what a blessing it is.

Oh, what a blessing it is to live where the woods are still alive, where there are leaves to crunch and ground to explore. Where the stars burn brighter than any city lights.

Oh, what a blessing it is to live among the wild. Birds fluttering between branches, squirrels going tree to tree, caterpillars becoming butterflies, deer tracks and sheds, I’ll even take rooting hogs over living anywhere else.

What a blessing it is to grow older with calves you watch hit the ground. Where there are trails to follow and mama cows to find. Where there’s new life and life lessons.

What a blessing it is to have a panoramic view of the stars and tune in to a nocturnal symphony.

Not everyone gets to live like this – not everyone wants to. But what a blessing it is.