Some folks live life so looking for the future they miss out on their purpose in the present. Others are scared to take a risk for fear of failing or thinking they are too young. Finally some are constantly looking backward at missed opportunities and live with regrets.
Most of this week's stories are examples of young folks not waiting to make a difference. They are living out their lives to the fullest in the present.
Cobie and I became acquainted last Sunday. Her parents had their churches potluck dinner and afternoon service at the cabin. While waiting for lunch she brought me a riddle. She asked me if I could figure out how to get an inch lock washer off a three quarter inch bolt that had a the nut welded on. I couldn't figure it out. She had to show me. :)
Robert and his wife have 3 daughters. Last Sunday afternoon Robert and his youngest (I so wish I could remember her name) sang at the Good News Chapel service. What a blessing.
Because of our dry summer the ground has been hard to push. Mike had been pre-ripping some while building terraces. Yesterday he went to Des Moines and bought new corner bits for his dozer blade hoping they help.
Brent is a neighbor, friend, fellow farmer, and deputy sheriff in our county. He has been helping us haul corn to Eddyville along with his brother Brian and Uncle Kevin. His grain trailer was built in 1984, the same year he was born, and the hopper bottom doors are getting hard to open. So he built himself a longer crank with more leverage to help with the unloading. I could just see your late father's grin at your ingenuity if he were around Brent.
Part time helper Kasey rodeos around the state. Last evening he won the bull riding event in Ottumwa. Congratulations Kasey. He is looking forward to working with his grandfather on some farm acres this coming crop season.
Another one of our helpers, Andy, did his homework, made a plan, worked out details, took a risk, and made a purchase as a young beginning farmer. Good job Andy.
Nephew Isaiah, Jordan, and another co-worker from Oskaloosa volunteered to go down and be part of the 30,000 utility crew members helping get Florida back up on the electrical grid after Hurricane Irma. After working in Stuart, Florida they moved to the western part of the state this past Friday. Thanks for your service guys.
I have always enjoyed sitting in front of a heater on cold mornings and often have my early morning devotions out in the shop. Occasionally our help will get to work early and catch me talking or listening to God in front of my old Knipco. The old thing often smokes and sputters. Well one morning helper Alex came exceptionally early, said he couldn't sleep, and had this huge box. He told me it was my early Christmas present. It was a brand new large DeWalt heater. Thanks Alex.
BJ has been spending time on both harvest and helping with the construction of their new home. Everyone appreciates his ability to figure problems out and fix things. On this particular early morning he is replacing the large battery on his combine. We often get visitors to the field and BJ is one of the favorites folks like to ride with.
BJ and Cassia's home is progressing. They poured the basement floor this week. Yesterday brother Bill and his son Matt came and helped BJ and Gideon get the electrical service in.
Our corn yields continue to surprise us with some fields in the northern part of our area coming close to last years results. Karl and Malaki were running one of the combines yesterday. One of my favorite 2-way conversations for the week was when Karl said, "We didn't need to pray for rain. We just needed to pray that we would be taken care of". So true. God's possibilities are not limited to our small minds of how things happen.
Jan and I ran to Des Moines early last evening, made a stop at Costco, and then cashed in on a gift certificate for supper. I enjoyed our time together after a busy week. I heard Lou Holtz say one time we need four things in life. Have something to do. Have someone to love. Have something to look forward to. Have something to believe in.
Last week Sunday at our church we commissioned our Sunday School teachers and group leaders. So what are we doing in the present to make a difference? Who are we helping so they can in turn help? God is interested and in control of all aspects of our lives including the present. We are not to wait until we feel we are able. We will never be able on our own. We don't make a crop out of no rain. Miracles don't happen while we sit, watch, and wait. Miracles happen when we step out in faith and try something we feel is the right thing to do. Have a good week.
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