The wind is gusting 33 mph directly from the north as I type. It is currently 64 degrees with a “feels like” temperature of 52 degrees. The perfect day for me here on the farm.

After living here for over ten years, I have determined that my optimal outdoor temperature is somewhere between 50 degrees and 60 degrees, with a preference of it hovering closer to 50 degrees. That is the optimal range for me to feel invigorated and recharged from my time outside rather than drained and sweaty which is, unfortunately, what frequently occurs here in Central Texas.

I have also determined that the wind is my absolute favorite natural phenomenon. It soothes my soul. It speaks to me in an odd way that feels like God’s voice at times. Oftentimes, I stand and pray while I am waiting for the water troughs to fill. It is then that the wind feels like God’s tangible reminder that, as always, He is listening.

The wild and unpredictable nature of the wind shifts the feeling of mundane chores to that of exuberance. Nothing makes me feel the exact dimensions of my body more than the wind hitting against it and going around it. Its resistance to the strong winds makes me feel more alive. The winds whip my hair around, sting my face with the cold, and causes me to have to lean forward as I walk around the animal pens and pastures. I have to laugh every time I throw the grain to our animals because, no matter how hard I try to crack the code on the wind direction, the chaff inevitably ends up blowing back on my face and overalls. I’m covered in dust by the end, but it doesn’t even bother me.

So, while I wouldn’t want to be doing much outside in the wind and, definitely, wouldn’t want to be trying to go somewhere dressed up or trying to keep my hair fixed, I do appreciate its frequent company while I feed and water our farm animals…..in my farm overalls with my hair in a next-level crazy bun!