By JoAnn Braegelman
Here we are once again at the start of the fall season! For me, on the farm, that means harvest has started and will soon be in full swing. While some things have already been harvested — like the fresh produce from my gardens and our kidney bean fields — the main harvest is yet to come. I love this time of year because it gives me the opportunity to see the fruits of our labors, to take stock of what we have, and to plan for next year. Most importantly, it is a tangible chance to thank God for his goodness.
The start of fall means saying a bittersweet goodbye to summer. I love the summer months with the longer days and warmer nights, bonfires and gardens. Of course, summers on the farm aren’t just listening to bumblin’ buzzin’ bees and chasing butterflies — sometimes the only chasing you do involves animals that got out of their pens! This past summer was especially busy with work, family and life in general, all good things. However, along with this came a few unplanned changes, a little extra stress and moments of frustration. Yet, I realize these things can lead to a deeper sense of how God works in our lives.
While living on a farm can bring many challenges and struggles, it also offers many opportunities for lessons in life. Some of these lessons are more obvious than others: make sure the gates are closed or the animals will take advantage of their newfound freedom; make sure the water is turned off or you will end up with a muddy mess in the most inconvenient places; watch where you are driving or you’ll run over the corn. But the real lessons are quieter, harder to identify, and definitely worth pondering.
I believe God uses our planned routines as well as the chaotic disruptions to plant seeds of spiritual growth in our lives. It is up to us to grow from these events and harvest those lessons. There is beauty in this if you take the time to notice. I’d like to share some of the lessons I’ve learned on the farm — my own unexpected harvest.
Life is messy, sometimes really messy! While idyllic images of farm animals and farm life may float around online or in people’s heads, keep in mind that animals can really stink. Literally! Life is like that, too. Pope Francis challenged his shepherds to take on the smell of the sheep. Sometimes we have to get into the thick mess of someone’s life in order to love and serve them and, most importantly, lift them up out of the mess. Don’t be afraid to get dirty!
Take great care in how you build your fence! Fencing is hard work, but a hastily fixed fence can result in a crazy amount of time chasing animals back into their pen! Going for the quick fix or shortcut is not always the best option. Sometimes it takes longer than you like or anticipated, but the time invested is worthwhile. In life, and in fencing, you have to do the work well to see positive, lasting results. We aren’t just building fences; we are building the Kingdom of God!
Things always break down. It seems one of Murphy’s Laws is that when you are busiest, things break. And they often break when you’re farthest from the tools and parts you need to fix them. Having the ability to think outside of the box can often bring clever solutions. Small pieces of wire, spare bolts, or even duct tape can get you back on track, at least temporarily. Oftentimes it helps to assess the needs, take stock of what you have, and mitigate the situation to the best of your ability. An unanticipated obstacle does not mean the end of the work. God has given each of us many gifts and talents; these are the times to use them while bringing glory to God. Thinking outside the box can lead to innovative solutions.
Patience truly is a virtue. Farming requires a lot of patience — a lot! This is especially true when you are waiting for hay to dry and rain is in the forecast, or you are trying to train a calf to bottle-feed, or… this list could go on and on. Being patient, flexible and adaptable to changing situations can help lessen additional stress. One way or another, the work gets done and challenges are overcome. Things do not always go the way we planned or anticipated, but consider that this could be the work of the Holy Spirit, leading us to greater depth and understanding of our work, our ministry and the people in our lives. Be patient!
Death is inevitable. Despite our best efforts, animals die on the farm. Some get sick, some are injured, and some have just reached a ripe old age. No matter the reason, it is always hard and can sometimes feel completely unfair. We mourn the death of a favorite cow or calf or the loss of our beloved pets, but that is ok because it teaches us about grief and resiliency. It also teaches us about love and gives us a greater appreciation for life. We grieve the loss, we heal, and then we look forward to the next newborn calf or new pet we get.
New life! We experience loss in many ways in life. Sometimes we need to let go of things that no longer suit us or are not in the best interest of those we love and/or serve. It could be something big, or something seemingly insignificant. This too can feel unfair. We grieve these losses too. While it can be difficult to let go and try something new, we also know that change can be good. It reminds us that Christ’s death and Resurrection are a template for transformative living and a lens through which we can see God’s work in the world. There is life after death.
Thank you! These words can often be heard, or at least thought, on the farm. Thank you, Lord, for the much-needed rain! Thank goodness, nobody was hurt when that broke down! Thankfully, the vet got here quickly! Admittedly, we can get so busy that we don’t take the time to stop and appreciate or even notice the little things or God-moments happening around us every day. Seeing the beauty of a sunset, smelling freshly cut hay, or watching the birth of a new baby animal are all awe-inspiring and allow us to realize how God is with us in all things. He is also present in us, in those we work with, in the ministries we are passionate about, and in the stranger on the street. It may be easier to feel God’s presence in a beautiful sunrise, but we need to remember that he is present in the beauty as well as in the most unpleasant task. Being on a farm has taught me to stop, soak in those precious moments, and always thank him for the bountiful blessings he has given. Give thanks every day!
I could go on and on, and I’m sure many more lessons are coming my way. For now, though, I will continue to ponder the many different ways that God is speaking to me and to you either through the beauty of a sunrise or an unexpected challenge—both being opportunities he puts before us that can be used to build His Kingdom and to love and serve His people.
Thank you, God, for this harvest of lessons and for all your goodness! Our faith shows us that God uses everything in life, good and bad, for a purpose, and that purpose helps us grow in virtue and holiness.