From cows to chaos: Grace in an unpredictable day

You just don’t know what a day will bring. If you are a planner, you may have an idea of how you expect things to go, but will they?

Recently, I woke up feeling tired. I had gotten to bed late. I had a full plate of farm chores, myriad household responsibilities and a handful of errands on my list. And a new calf to watch. And more cows due to deliver babies any time.

And then the day got started. I did my morning workout and headed for the shower. Just as my foot hovered over the shower entry, the power went out. In our rural home, no power means no power to the pump to supply water. No shower.

It also meant the freeze dryer that was about 12 hours into a 36-hour cycle shut down. An internet search ensued to figure out what to do. Basically, it depends on how long the power is out.

Next, I turned to the farm chores. All went reasonably well with a few complications from rain. But good news — the power was back on when I finished so I could take a shower.

Afterward, I spent a few quiet minutes enjoying a bowl of yogurt, blueberries, dark chocolate and flax for lunch.

After washing dishes, I headed out to do errands. All went fine until my windshield was suddenly covered with leaves and branches. A large tree fell on my truck while I was driving down the road. Definitely not one of those things I expect to happen.

Thankfully, I didn’t get hurt. My truck suffered. I’m still waiting to see how my sweet truck will fare. I’m hoping she can be returned to her previous beauty.

After calling for emergency services, I called my husband. No answer. He was in the middle of bringing home a gorgeous table he and a friend had made out of a tree root from our farm. I was very excited to see it in our dining area when I got home.

While waiting to get home from the accident site, I talked to a good friend I hadn’t seen in much too long. I was thrilled to see her. Her kindness made a trying situation brighter.

By the time I got home, it was getting late, and everyone was hungry. We went out for dinner.

I filed an insurance claim before heading to bed and writing this column.

I thought I had a full day when I got up in the morning. But I didn’t know just how much was in store. None of us do. Drink in the good parts. Focus on them. Get through the less pleasant bits.

No matter how much you plan, prepare or anticipate, interruptions, surprises and shocks will happen. Know that they will and don’t panic. Deal with things as they happen.

You go through this life only once. Enjoy the best parts every day, whatever they turn out to be.