Animals that like to Work?
By Christy Lowman
Burke County
Did you know that there are animals that work? Most love their jobs and look forward to working every day. Some even get excited about it. Some animals that have jobs are Beagles, hawks, doves, mules, Great Pyrenes, Rottweilers, Clydesdales, and Donkeys. I wanted to tell you about my favorite workhorse. It may be my favorite horse altogether. I first met this type of horse when I was a teenager in Newland NC. We would go to a tree farm there to pick out a Christmas tree. These horses worked at the farm. They were extremely tall, large, solid black horses. Their greatness was a little intimidating to me at first, but I soon realized they were gentle giants who were excited to see me get some pets and scratches behind the ears. I would love to own one of these magnificent horses one day!
This horse is called a Percheron. Have you ever seen one? Percherons originated from France in the 732AD. Then they were used as warhorses. They were spirited, steady, and strong enough to carry full armored knights. Now they are used for farming, pulling logs, farm machines, and even carriages. They are great in parades and other public gatherings because they are so mild-mannered and calm. They are not scared easily. Their temperament is why people say they are “cold-blooded” horses. Even though Percherons have high energy and endurance they are also easygoing and love to please.
In 1915 Percherons were known as the largest horse in the world. Today the largest population of Percherons is found in the United States.
Most Percherons are black, gray, chestnut, or bay colored. Their bodies and fur are sleek and shiny. They do not have long fur on their legs around their hooves like other draft horses. Their mane and tail are very thick, and a lot of times are wavy.
Percherons can live to be in their 30s. They can weigh as much as 2600 pounds, but the average is 1900 pounds. They are usually 16-17 hands high. This large horse eats 30 pounds of hay along with 5 pounds of grain daily.
It is important also for us to work and have a job, it makes God happy and pleased. Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy our job. My husband pointed out that if you do your job to the best of your ability (whether you like your job or not) and do it for the glory of God, then it makes going to work much easier. In other words, we should work to please God and to bring Him glory. I’m not talking only about adult jobs but also jobs that you may have like chores. We don’t always get paid for working but we can always do everything we do with a joyful heart for the Lord. Sometimes this is very hard. Sometimes I don’t like some of the jobs I have to do either. That’s why it is important to stay focused on pleasing God in all that we do.
God also tells us to take a day of rest each week. This is so important to Him that He made it one of his 10 commandments. He wants us to take the Sabbath day off from work and keep it holy. God not only wanted to spend time with us on the Sabbath day through worship, but He also knew that it was very important for us to have a day of rest. Our bodies and even work animals need the day off to rest and reenergize for the next week. Sometimes we have to work on the Sabbath, and I think God is fine with this as long as we take another day of the week and set it aside to spend time with the Lord and rest.
Dear Lord, please help us remember to take the Sabbath off and to spend time with you. Show us dear Lord how to have a joyful heart when we must work and do chores. Help us bring glory to You in everything we do. I thank you for the animals you have given us who love to work. May they be a positive influence on all of us. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.
18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 NLT
Bibliography
https://www.webmd.com/pets/what-to-know-percheron-horse
https://karinabrez.com/blogs/news/18-amazing-percheron-horse-facts
https://www.percheronhorse.org/percheron_origin/
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Christy Lowman is a Christian author and illustrator that lives in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing and illustrating books for all ages. Some of her short stories are published with Guideposts and HCI. Christy gives all the glory to God in everything she does. A portion of every book sold from the Small Bible Character Series will be donated to battle human trafficking. If you enjoy her books, “like’ her author page on Facebook and let her know! You can buy her books at //www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AChristy+Lowman&s=relevancerank&text=Christy+Lowman&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1. You can reach her at //www.facebook.com/authorChristyLowman/
or christyssoaps@yahoo.com
You can read more Christian news from Christy here.
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