Last week I told you about my plan to apply my natural Heeler intelligence to a plan of direction, improvement and generally the betterment of the world. 
First step, take aim in the right direction and hold the course steady. 
I left it up to Ladysmith to describe that, now I need to ponder what that means for this little cowdog.
Well, I know I need to persevere, no matter what. This time of year, that is necessary, and usually pretty dang tough! 
We keep plowing out and piling mountains of snow, then are facing another deep freeze – again. It takes a determined dog to stick it out, day after dismal day. 
Chopping ice so there is water.
Trying to collect eggs before they freeze. Shoveling, plowing, feeding – an eye to the sky, an ear to the next weather report, and always stubbornly, keep at it.
January is the month that lasts 162 days, but mercifully it is nearly over. Soon the Superbowl, another point of winter passage, will be over. In a couple days, that pesky rodent will be in and out of his predictive spotlight and, regardless of his prognosis, we will shoulder into another 2 or 3 winters before Spring arrives. 
So it is good to look up now and then, to see a little more light in the lengthening day – I notice the sun is still across the road after 3 PM!
To see the sun sparkle on fresh snow, better than diamonds! 
To watch the horses standing cross-ways to the sun, soaking up the heat while they have it, against a frigid night.
To hear a chickadee sing a new Spring song, to breathe in a gentler air,
to hear the creek, less muffled by snow. 
So persevere, not in grim determination, but with a smile.
I can be content with this winter, but not content to stay here. Keep going!
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Proverbs 4:26
