Being A Survivor

Survivors are folks who outlast, overcome, and tackle their obstacles. As I think about those of you that tell me you are part of this visit it reminds me that many of you have been survivors this past year. Some from health issues. Some from addictions. Many of you from elements beyond your control in your work.  

Surviving takes extra effort. I'm reminded of those who pumped water off of river bottoms. Of those who kept faithful at their physical therapy. Of those who had to move on after a loss. Of those who had to had to haul half loads out of the fields to keep from getting stuck. Below BJ and Karl worked late getting the technology working on the tractor hauling honey (hog manure).

On Thursday evening it started to snow. In some ways it's hard to believe we are well into November already. In other ways it seems we have been working on this crop for months. I guess we have.

Anyhow harvest gets postponed until the snow either melts off or blows off the corn crop. By late Friday we were back combining.

Winter and cold weather bring with it a whole new set of jobs. As Andy reminded us on Snapchat the semis needed their air brakes treated with alcohol to keep moisture from freezing in them. Fuel needs to be treated to keep from jelling below 10 degrees. Antifreeze strength needs checked in radiators. RoGators, fencerow sprayers, and 4-wheeler sprayers need to drained and winterized with RV antifreeze. Thanks for the picture Andy. 

It's been a difficult fall getting dirtwork done. Mike has been clearing fencerows and Mark joined him on this project to drain a pond that gets rebuilt.

Karl, Kasey, and Layton have been hauling honey around the clock at times. Winter weather requires the tankers and pumps be drained when not running.

Our week's extra hours get filled with chiseling. You might ask why is that necessary. Two main reasons. Corn on corn for next year and ruts and end row compaction from this past fall.

Today is Veterans Day. We remember those that survived and those that did not. Also this past week was the Marines birthday. Thanks for the picture Mike. Mike was a Marine from 1995 through 1999. I'm proud of him and thankful for his and all others service to our great country.

Mike helps coach the PC football team including he and Suzanne's son Cody. Although their season ended at the Uni Dome in Cedar Falls yesterday they have had a good year.

After the game Jan and I made a couple of stops shopping. Shopping on a Saturday in mid November at a busy store can turn one into a survivor mood. Actually I spent more than Jan as I grabbed my own cart and bought shop and winterizing supplies at Farm Fleet.

We did find a quiet bar and grill in Traer on the way home where we had an early supper and watched the Iowa Hawkeyes play Northwestern.

I always wonder whether you all would rather read stories of the week or coaching advice on life, both of which I enjoy sharing. Since you've probably heard enough grandkid stories I'm going to finish up with some ideas on being a survivor. Remember our attitudes determine our wellbeing more than our circumstances do.

As a survivor make yourself available to others who are also trying to survive. Encourage folks without barging in on a conversation and taking over with "this is how it is" comments. Respond with wisdom and sincere caring rather than the "Oh me Oh my" wagon. Bring the positives out of a negative situation.

That was for helping others survive. For yourself don't become a victim. Don't blame others. And don't shut down when life isn't fair. Be determined to succeed in a culture of change. Have a quiet self confidence. Be idling horsepower. Be perceptive. Have your personal radar on with a quiet awareness of what's going on around you. Finally, you don't need to be who others think you are. I'm learning this. And don't live your life through the eyes of others.

I love this picture. Thanks for sharing it Becky and Hazel. Relationships weren't created to just survive but to thrive. Be intentional about your relationships with your co-workers, your friends, your grandkids, your children, your spouse, and your Creator God. As you survive next week help yourself and others thrive.