‘Stiff-necked’. I smile at this description of the disobedient, stubborn Israelites because thanks to a pet calf, I know exactly what ‘stiff-necked’ means. When I was a young girl growing up on a dairy farm, calves were my playmates. I particularly loved the beautiful brown Jersey calves that looked like deer.

  

One day I decided to put a halter on Ginger, my favourite calf, so I could lead her around the farm and perhaps even take her to the fair. I slipped the halter strap over her head with ease, but when I pulled on it, she did not follow. The more I tugged, the more she planted her feet and stiffened her neck. After several minutes of battling wills, Ginger and I both became tired and sat on the ground. Her refusal to follow me meant she had to stay in the field, and I couldn’t take her to the fair. I sometimes picture myself as a stiff-necked calf digging in my heels, refusing to be led by God, and missing out on a fulfilling relationship. But God has more patience with me than I had with Ginger. Thankfully,

he never gives up on stiff-necked people like me.

Prayer: Dear God, help us not to be stiff-necked and to follow you and your goodness all the days of our lives. Amen