We live in a divided world today. Covid, racial issues, and elections have reminded us of what we already know. We all think differently. What's the solution? Do we challenge other folk's reality? Or do we show consideration, mindfulness, and empathy? No matter which side of the fence we are on the other side seems extreme. I think we can hold and have convictions while still putting ourselves in someone else's shoes so to speak and respecting what they stand for. Kurt and Emily's Lane is trying out Grandpa's boots.
For years equipment companies used these long intrusive crop dividers on the grain heads that have a huge presence. They are heavy. They push down everything in their path when a combine changes directions. And they get in the way and stick their nose in places they don't belong. One of my self inflicted breakdowns was accidently hitting a post and ripping off not just the grain divider but the whole right side of the grain head.
A visit from outside through a closed window with my Mom: Hi Mom, how are you? Reading lips: "Oh Steve, it's so good to see you. And there is Jan as well. So nice of her to come." Answer your phone Mom. I'm trying to call you. "What did you say?" "No this isn't my home." Have you had any company Mom? "I don't think so. I can't remember." "Good bye now kids. I love you. And I sure hope we can be together soon."
Talk about being a divider. I think if someone would open an assisted living home with in-house visits where the residents could sign a waiver about covid they couldn't build them fast enough for the demand. What we are doing now is not working!!
And what about Dad? He is without Mom as well and with his lack of hearing, visits are about impossible. He and I hang out together for a Jan breakfast and coffee on Sunday mornings. Kudos to Ginger for everything she does to keep Dad home and structured.
Farming the fringes in southern Iowa isn't always efficient and easy, however it sure is pretty. We went down southwest of Lovila and took out some soybeans on a hunting farm that Kurt rents from Gary. Thanks for the picture Karl.
Mike is building a pond for a neighbor, Doug, south of Oskaloosa on Hwy 63. His football coaching for 2020 has also been extended for at least another week as Pella Christian won their first tournament game and will play again this coming Friday at home.
I enjoyed working with Denver and Ike a day this week as I tankered hog manure from Wayne and Sue's hog building to their bottom farm. Denver is one of ten children who's family sings around the country. Ike is a senior in high school and lives in Pennsylvania with his folks and seven siblings.
It probably doesn't sound efficient however not only do we work for others, we have others work for us. So because of not enough hours in a day or days in a week we hired Branden to haul hog manure on our farms north of Rose Hill and Curt to haul on farms northwest of Pella.
Older machinery will break down however newer machinery can break down. One of our larger, newer combines is down right now. This story reminds me of life. Older folks will die however younger folks can also die. And when it's our appointed time as determined by our Creator nothing can change that. I can think of at least six loved ones from folks that join our Sunday visits that have passed away in the past week or 10 days. Old and young. Bob from Sully was 81. Our sympathies to Pearl and families. Ray from Eddyville was 94. Our sympathies to Rick and Diane and families. Shirley from Oskaloosa was 84. Our sympathies to Jerry, Jay and Diane, and the rest of the families. Doug from Pella. Our sympathies to his wife Loretta and his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Leona. Eric from Oskaloosa was 39. Our sympathies to his mother Sandy and Jerry, and his wife Michelle and families. And Zach from Pella who was just 21. Our sympathies to Bruce and Candi and family, and all the young folks that participated in Bible studies with Zach on Thursday evenings. My apologies if I missed someone. I don't know you all. I wished I did and hope to meet you all someday if not here in this life, then in eternity.
Never forget, no matter what happens, nothing can divide us from our Heavenly Father's love and care. He gives us grace. He gives us family. He gives us friends. He gives us continued purpose. And sometimes God puts others in our lives either to help or be helped. Yesterday we stopped and all worked together to replace a cornhead snout.
Speaking of working together KCWN, 99.9 FM had their annual Sharathon this past week sharing stories and raising money for their upcoming year whatever that may bring. KCWN has an undivided purpose for folk's best days and worst days. They are a unifier in a divided crazy year. They broadcast hope for a 2021. They remind community that we have each other to lean on. Pictured below is Lisa. She does the "Wow God Stories". Many of you know Bev, the general manager, and mostly morning person. And Erick who you hear during the midday. Sharathon isn't just a fund raiser. It's an annual time for folks to share that yes, the station is still fulfilling their God given purpose. Keep up the good work team.
People dividers are often like those large, intrusive, get in the way, crop dividers we visited about earlier. And like my oops on the bean head, they don't just wreck themselves, they wreck others in the process when life changes directions or something hard gets in the way. Yesterday evening after a hard but productive week we shut down a little early. Jan was cleaning cabin when I got home. She had made this bratwurst porridge with onions, peppers, and gouda cheese for supper. 😊 Today we are looking forward to lunch in the cabin with family to celebrate Mark and Natalie's birthdays. Also Happy Birthday today to friend Mike and helper Matt.
The ends they now put on new grainheads, and also the ones that were replaced on our older head, are smaller, lighter, less intrusive, and quietly do their job of going through the crop. I call them undividers as they help bring in the harvest. Yes. You get the point. We are to go through life as undividers, quietly, yet effectively, serving our purpose given to us by God. Thanks so much for stopping by.
No comments:
Post a Comment