This story uniquely captures how it can feel getting ready for the holidays.

During a winter hayride, a wagon pulled by a friendly mule slid on a patch of ice sending the back of the wagon into a steep snowbank. The farmer who was steering the cart, unhitched the mule to help guide the travelers out of the snow and said, “Come on Jasper, I’m going to need your help.”

He hitched the mule to the rear axle and shouted, “Come on Molly, pull!” The mule didn’t move.

The farmer then yelled, “Come on Gus, pull!” Again, the mule didn’t move.

Once more the farmer commanded, “Come on Francis, pull!” Nothing happened.

The farmer then said, “Come on Jasper, pull!” And the mule moved and dragged the wagon out from the pile of snow.

The passengers thanked the farmer, but being somewhat puzzled one of them said, “You called the mule three times by the wrong name. Why did you do that?”

The farmer laughed and said, “Oh, Jasper is a blind old mule, if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try!”

Most people are busy this time of year and it often feels like we are the only one pushing and pulling to get everything done. Just a quick reminder that you are not alone and everything you are doing will be appreciated.