Rough Acres Ranch
At the beginning of October I began my work day at 7 AM by attending the daily patrol briefing. Then I would go to the drug room and collect the evidence that was turned in the night before. The rest of my day consisted of doing various forensic tasks, and the occasional meeting. As the Scientific Investigations Supervisor for the Sheriff’s Office, my job was different every day. It was often exciting, often heartbreaking, but almost always interesting.
Today I began my day with prayer with a group of guys, then as the sun was coming up, I fed five little calves who are being weaned from their mamas. My day now is filled up with ranch duties and taking care of various facilities.
On October 13th, I retired from the Sheriff’s Office after fifteen years and accepted a position as ranch manager of Rough Acres Ranch in Boulevard, California. To say that my life is totally different is an understatement!
I cannot believe that I get paid to live in an area as beautiful as this ranch. When Lanette and I got into camping a couple of years ago, we began going to Lake Morena and camping out in the mountain desert area. It was so relaxing, and so beautiful, we fell in love with camping and areas like this. Now, our back porch looks out over a beautiful area, and we get to see God’s creation and beauty every day. We are beyond blessed. Lanette was also able to retire, and she gets to hang out every day at home and relax.
What’s funny is that I tried to work out a different path for my life. I made attempts at starting a couple of businesses, and they looked like they were going to work, only to fall apart at the last minute. I was disappointed, and wondered why things didn’t work out. Now I know.
You see, if either of the things I tried to start had worked out, I wouldn’t have even heard of this position. I had to lose out on my good to get God’s best. No matter how good I thought my life would be with a new business, it would have paled in comparison to what my life is now.
Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” All of the time I was trying so hard to do something good, God was waiting to show me he had something better. While I was putting together deals and stressing over circumstances, God was preparing something more perfect for me than I could have imagined.
I thought I had the right ideas. I was sure I was doing the right things. Little did I know that my ideas, as impressive as I thought they were, were nowhere near as good as what was waiting for me. I thought I was so smart! I should have read Proverbs 3:7, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom…”
Have you ever wondered if your life could be better? Imagine if it is your pride that is keeping you from getting not just good, but the best. Our lives are meant for so much more! God has a great plan for each of us, and we so often settle for less because we are hardheaded and stubborn. I know, I have firsthand experience!
God has great plans for you and I, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:12,13
Maybe it is time for you to let God give you his best, instead of settling for your own good. You never know where you might end up!
Feeding calves and enjoying my new life… Jerry