The Blessing of Bartimaeus
We were offered the opportunity last week to take on a blind, bottle-fed calf that was rejected by his mom. Jerry has been wanting a cow forever so we leapt at the opportunity. Bartimaeus, named after the blind man Jesus healed, came home with us in our mini-van, and captured the hearts of many as we posted videos and shared news of his tenuous first week of life. Alas, our Bart did not receive the healing we prayed for – but while his time on earth was short, it was not wasted. Our farm animals provide us with food, fun for family and friends, and even a small income occasionally – but animals like Bart – the ones that don’t live very long – provide us with things equally as important.
Our experience with Bartimaeus reminded us that life is fragile. There is really nothing more exciting than witnessing birth. The bursting forth of new life into the world, the first breath and struggle to find its footing, the mother’s instinctual nurturing and feeding amaze me every time! But just as quickly as life begins, it also ends. Those basic activities that we take for granted – eating, breathing, even seeing – those things are a gift. Experiencing farm life with animals like Bart reminds us to treasure those gifts.
We did everything we could to help Bart. We brought him into the living room to warm him, gave him a nutrient boost for energy, took him to the vet for antibiotics – and for a while it seemed that he might make it. It is a good feeling to save a life, but the loss of life brings humility. It is good to help and it is always worth the effort, but we don’t really have the power to save a life. Every time one of our animals dies, I am reminded who the giver and sustainer of life is – and I am reminded that I am not Him!
When we accepted the invitation to take Bartimaeus, it was all about us. We were looking forward to owning a cow. Whether he would become meat in the freezer or a giant pet, we had something to gain from this creature. We were excited about the bottle-feeding experience as well as the fun he would provide for our guests. It didn’t take long though before we began to understand that we would need to offer Bart love even if he had nothing to offer us. People often enjoy their pets because of the unconditional love they receive from the animal, but taking care of a sick critter reverses the trend. Caring for Bart and other ailing animals allows us to practice loving without the expectation of a benefit in return.
There is no better way to teach compassion to kids than to offer the opportunity to live it. My children – and other kids in our neighborhood – rallied around to love on Bart. They saw his dilemma and they were moved to do something. One of our kids carried the 100 pound calf across the yard and into the house. Another laid in the barn and played the sounds of recorded cows to comfort him. They mixed bottles, checked on him, prayed for him, and gently rubbed his neck. I am a firm believer that compassion breeds compassion, and though Bartimaeus died, those that helped him were impacted purely by the experience of helping. Each of us involved received a blessing that cannot be taken away.
Our family is busy! All six of us have work, school, sports, activities – not to mention the animals and the normal farm work – but all it takes is the situation of a sick or dying animal to put our priorities into perspective. Life goes on around us and we must continue with most of our routine, but where we previously thought there was no extra time, there suddenly becomes time. Though we had believed we were out of energy, we immediately become energized. When our hearts seemed to have become calloused to death, our sensitivity swiftly returns. Raising farm animals has a way of causing a reset that adjusts our focus and brings us back to reality and truth.
Bartimaeus gently passed away this morning and yes, we are sad. This wasn’t the outcome we hoped for him or for us – yet we rejoice! Bart is no longer suffering and we are so much better for having loved him. Rest in peace Bartimaeus – you fought a good fight!