The Trust of a Farmer
If I have learned about trust from anyone, it's from my dad. He is a full time farmer, full time mechanic, and full time husband and father. Overarching all of these is the rock solid faith he has in the Lord, no matter how hopeless things may seem. I remember years of looking out on scorched fields, and others like this one where they're mostly underwater, wondering how anyone could think it would all turn out okay. But my dad's trust in God has never wavered. Even with farming prices in the toilet for the past 10 years, I've never once seen him express worry of any sort.
He knows that God has it all under control, even when we don't. Especially when we don't.
The life of a farmer is tough. You can do everything right preparing for an animal to give birth, but the mama might still die. The planting season may go great, and you might quietly think that this is the year for a bumper crop, but in August a hail storm comes along and wipes out all of your fields. Or maybe the weather is perfect, but none of the equipment wants to run properly.
On the other hand, a farmer may experience the gift of an extra large litter of piglets. In the fall, one particular field might give a higher yield than anticipated. Or perhaps the weather cooperates from April to October. Farmers see it all.
Farming isn't for the faint of heart. You literally live a gamble, but there is no other choice. There is so much that is out of your control. The outside world paints you as unfeeling in regards to livestock and uncaring for the earth. But the reality is something far different.
True farmers understand the world in a way that few can. My brother has sat with new mama pigs for hours on end, helping them and trying to keep them comfortable. We've brought piglets into the house to keep them warm in the winter. Grandpa and Dad have dedicated large chunks of their day to get a single calf to eat. On hot summer days, making sure the animals are cooled off is a priority. People who don't having an agricultural background don't see the way farmers have incredible respect and concern for the earth.
Being the child of a 3rd generation farmer, and sister of the 4th generation, I have seen and experienced this life. I've seen the anguish on their faces when they watch an animal die, unable to do anything to ease its suffering. I've heard joy in their voice when they tell us to come outside and see the fireflies light up the fields. I've joined their heartfelt prayers for God to bless their work. They know that no matter what happens, God is in complete control.
Not just anyone can be a farmer. It takes a strong person to weather the highs and lows that may come at any time. It's not easy to relinquish control, and to trust God with your present and the future. We can learn a lot from them.
If you want a lesson in faith, watch a farmer. If you want to experience life through the lens of simplicity, ask a farmer. If you want to be more in tune with nature, follow a farmer. If you want to understand supernatural trust, look to a farmer.
He knows that God has it all under control, even when we don't. Especially when we don't.
The life of a farmer is tough. You can do everything right preparing for an animal to give birth, but the mama might still die. The planting season may go great, and you might quietly think that this is the year for a bumper crop, but in August a hail storm comes along and wipes out all of your fields. Or maybe the weather is perfect, but none of the equipment wants to run properly.
On the other hand, a farmer may experience the gift of an extra large litter of piglets. In the fall, one particular field might give a higher yield than anticipated. Or perhaps the weather cooperates from April to October. Farmers see it all.
Farming isn't for the faint of heart. You literally live a gamble, but there is no other choice. There is so much that is out of your control. The outside world paints you as unfeeling in regards to livestock and uncaring for the earth. But the reality is something far different.
True farmers understand the world in a way that few can. My brother has sat with new mama pigs for hours on end, helping them and trying to keep them comfortable. We've brought piglets into the house to keep them warm in the winter. Grandpa and Dad have dedicated large chunks of their day to get a single calf to eat. On hot summer days, making sure the animals are cooled off is a priority. People who don't having an agricultural background don't see the way farmers have incredible respect and concern for the earth.
Being the child of a 3rd generation farmer, and sister of the 4th generation, I have seen and experienced this life. I've seen the anguish on their faces when they watch an animal die, unable to do anything to ease its suffering. I've heard joy in their voice when they tell us to come outside and see the fireflies light up the fields. I've joined their heartfelt prayers for God to bless their work. They know that no matter what happens, God is in complete control.
Not just anyone can be a farmer. It takes a strong person to weather the highs and lows that may come at any time. It's not easy to relinquish control, and to trust God with your present and the future. We can learn a lot from them.
If you want a lesson in faith, watch a farmer. If you want to experience life through the lens of simplicity, ask a farmer. If you want to be more in tune with nature, follow a farmer. If you want to understand supernatural trust, look to a farmer.
So very true! Lived through it too! Well said!
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