Venison

Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth. — Proverbs 12:27 ESV

You know you live in the country, when you have neighbors and friends, who offer you their overflow of abundance, be it fresh garden produce, gallons of raw milk, Morel mushrooms, dozens of fresh eggs, or various kinds of animals and meat. It is not that we don’t have kind offers in the city, but the overall feel is different. It feels more down to earth, practical, spontaneous and more country. In some way, it strangely reminds me of life in China. 

Thus, this transition process of country life has led me to think about learning a second language. I started learning English in the 7th grade (middle school in China). I practiced, practiced and practiced, using books, tapes (yes, it’s hard to believe I am that old:)), radio programs, and a variety of opportunties I could find. All the practice served me well and prepared me one step further into a new culture. It was not until college, when I became an English major, I was able to work on my oral English more. I was blessed to have native speaking teachers, who not only helped me with my language skills but also led me to the Truth! 

If being able to communicate with native speakers was a big jump for my language skill, coming to the States to live, to serve and to home educate my children has made English my second language rather than a foreign language. It’s challenging yet rewarding, just like a lot of hard but good things in life. 

That being said, we are blessed beyond measure that the Lord has made our path clear to move out of the city, despite all the setbacks for the past year and challenges we are still facing ahead. One of the huge blessings by simply being here is to see my boys thriving. Just like learning a new language, the younger a child is exposed to the target language, the easier it is to learn. It warms my heart to see my family working hard together to build our homestead, despite the hardships and uncertainties. Deep or simple joy through the trials is crucial for the young and the old to learn.  

A mother’s attitude can be influential at home. By God’s grace, we are learning to count our blessings in different seasons of country living, as the Lord guides and provides. Right now, we are blessed to have water, heat, a new roof, functioning appliances, one working bathroom, most furniture that can stay at one place for a while without the need to make room for another project, no mold in the wall, working septic, flushing toilet, working water heater, a working six-seat truck… The list keeps going! 

The Lord has provided abundantly in so many ways. Yes, our Heavenly Father has blessed us through visible gifts through our kind friends or opportunities by orchestrating unique circumstances. But most importantly, as the Holy Spirit leads us walking in obedience to His will, we are being changed and sanctified through the trials. The man of the house is being transformed into a jack-of-all-trades. I receive many conveniences I used to take for granted with more gratitude and appreciation. I am grateful that my boys get to grow up with those fixer-upper, make-do, repurpose, thrifty experiences with joy and even excitement, as life unfolds unexpectedly. 

One major addition to our weekly activities this year is to join a local homeschool co-op. We were on the wait-list last year and spots opened up for all of our children after the wait. Instead of joining another co-op, we had a gap year without a co-op. I am so glad we waited. This co-op is much more Christ-focused with a homestead feel as well. A fitting community for where we are now. 

My oldest took a huntsman basics class and came home with venison. (The teacher did ask the parent for permission first.) I cook almost everything from scratch. The boys have been testing my cooking capacities as they harvested different kinds of meat. I will save the details of meat processing for another time. For now, I will just say nothing is wasted and all parts have their purposes. If my boys are going to eat it, I have no problem figuring out how to prepare them as long as they are foods God created for us to eat. 

It’s interesting for me to find out the term “venison” comes from the Latin verb venari, meaning “to hunt or pursue.” It can refer to a variety of hunted wild game, but is most commonly applied to deer meat. In China, deer meat is considered a delicacy, not as fatty, but nutritious red meat. It has a lot to do with all the running a deer does. The lean meat takes time to prepare with a lower temperature so the meat will not go tough. 

My boys smelt the aroma of meat cooking in the kitchen, and kept asking me, “Are we having deer meat TODAY?” 

“Yes, but you have to wait all day.”

Waiting has many unseen benefits, including building expectations, growing our patience, and strengthening our faith. Not bad, eh? The truth is: Waiting, however, is the hardest work at times! Waiting is harder when we don’t see, feel or taste. The reward at the end of waiting makes the time in between seem a little more bearable. Waiting is particularly harder in this modern culture, which exalts the speed and convenience. Children not too long ago could learn about the cause and effect through diligent work by simply observing life. Nowadays, parents need to be extra intentional to include or create rewarding slow processes in life. I am more old-fashioned and believe delayed gratification deepens the memory and happiness.

Cooking from scratch everyday is work but worth it! Believe me, when I saw the big chunk of meat to marinate, and to prepare for the oven cooking, I could actually better understand why the Proverb says “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game”. This venison preparation helped me have more sympathy for the man not willing to roast his game, while before I could scoff “who would do that?”. Life is to be lived fully. When living a more agrarian lifestyle, the ancient wisdom has made its fast track to my mind through real life references. My slothfulness was convicted and my hands got busy. An interruption to my normal meal plan didn’t seem to matter any more when I heard all the exciting chats between the boys about what is for dinner! 

You know another blessing for cooking venison at home? 

If you guessed leftovers, you are correct! Meat has its way to satisfy you and make you full. No wonder feasts tend to involve meat. We don’t eat much meat, so occasional meat addition made a normal day celebratory. Plus, you can collect the bones and make bone broth! Okay, bonus point for being homestead-minded if you are already making broth! :-)  Again, nothing goes to waste for a homesteader. Our hearts and minds are as, if not more, stimulated as our taste buds! 

What’s for dinner today? How do I make the most of my “game” and pursue a little deeper?The prep is not limited to the food. Perhaps, some “food” for thoughts during the dinner? The food nourishes the bodies, the minds and the souls at the table. Eating together serves its purpose to start a conversation and fellowship with your loved ones. 

Know that your labor is not in vain, dear mothers! In due time, you will reap a harvest from your diligent work if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9)! 

Dear mothers, your thoughts and efforts to shop smart, to prepare healthy/hearty meals, and to make memories together are all glorious. Your children will thank you even when they don’t express it now. Those memories serve me well across the ocean and the span of years.  

Dear sisters, do you truly love your Master? Then, feed the lambs under your care, as the Lord instructed his beloved disciple (John 21:15). If you want your lambs to mature, feed them not just milk, but also solid food (1 Corinthians 3:2). May your soul delight in the riches of fare, as you listen to the Master, and eat what is good (Isaiah 55:2)! Once your soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods in His living Word, the overflowing joy cannot be concealed. You will be singing songs of praise despite your circumstances. Do you have a hymn you would like to share as you gather your loved ones to the table? If you are alone or your children are grown, try to think of someone you can dine with and give praises together! I believe your joy will be more than doubled when it is shared! Okay, you have been diligent to read to the end. It’s time to get the “game” going! Enjoy!!