And On That Day

Have you ever had a mystery photo show up? The picture has a few facts in it but you just don't know the story. This picture showed up recently. Maybe leftover in the bottom of a box. The gentleman kneeling in the grass or crop is Daryl. I recognize the location as the field we call the 62 acres now northwest of Rose Hill. The back of the photo showed it was taken professionally. And I'm guessing the time frame was late 50s or early 60s.

Shortly after noon on January 22, 1963, JFK was assassinated. I remember where I was on that day. Sitting in second grade upstairs in the old Christian Grade School. When I heard young Mr. Blankenspoor come up the wide stairs, knock on our door, and tell us our president had been shot.

Twenty one years ago today terrorists attacks were carried out against the United States. I remember where I was on that day. Jan had run to town to take the twins to school. I was getting grain bins ready for harvest. Becky called from Dordt College. The skies were empty. The churches were full. Citizens got together as a nation and asked God for help and guidance.

Three years ago this past Wednesday I was standing in the machine shed when my phone rang. It was Russ, our sheriff. He said our friends, neighbors, trucking help, and office help, Kevin and Linda were in an accident hauling soybeans to Des Moines and Kevin was killed. He asked if our crew would go to Pleasant Hill and clean up the spilled soybeans. We gathered together in the office. I cried. We prayed for Linda and family, and then started gathering equipment. We were at the accident site for several hours.

We are currently living in an era that history will remember. Folks researched a dangerous virus. Released it. Required masks and shutdowns. Roadblocked effective treatment like the one shown below. Rolled out a questionable shot. Removed good folks from the military and healthcare. Reported lies. Re-educated children on radical behavior ideas. Reversed peoples gender. Recognized and permitted fuel and food shortages. And racketeered one group of folks against another. There will be a day when God says enough.

Last Sunday we sang a song called Hymn of Heaven at Cornerstone, Kurt and Emily's church. The chorus after the first verses says There will be a day. Next verse, And on that day. And the final verse, Let it be today. The song talks about "righting" wrongs. Every knee will bow to the One in charge. Accepting Jesus Christ is Lord. And praising and glorifying God with a thousand generations.

Mike worked on breaking up and removing a cattle bunk this week west of Oskaloosa. Thanks for the picture Mike.

We had a big week of harvest. The yield is all over the board but probably down about 40 to 50 bushel from average.

We start our day delivering 20 to 25 loads/day to the processor. We have outgrown our storage and drying facilities so delivering straight to town works well.

Our days are not always trouble free. This past week Jim had a steer tire go flat. I brought a spare and grandson Ethan helped change it.

After hours we unload and dry corn at home.

Then before we finish for the day we fill trucks for morning delivery. Harvest is not quite as simple as it sounds. There is fueling, moving, and repairing. There are many other things happening at the same time including chores and family obligations which I value. I am constantly reminded how blessed I am to be working with family as well as helpers that work hard, are not scared of responsibility, and care about each other.

A fringe benefit of earlier harvest is being able to put Mike to work on home jobs before he gets busy helping others.

Sixty years ago my parents were good friends with John and Louise. My parents had a set of twins. John and Louise had two sets of twins. I remember as a small kid playing where they lived on a rented farm near Rose Hill. Our families would go to Edgetown Roller Rink and skate together on a wooden floor. My Mom and Louise were both the epitome of motherhood for big families and caring for others. This past Labor Day evening we went to Louise's funeral visitation. She is enjoying eternity in Heaven, not because she was a good person, which she was, but because she acknowledged God as her Creator, her purpose in life, and her Savior in death. What about you? "And On That Day" is coming for all of us eventually. That does not have to be a disturbing or scary thought.

So what's the point this morning? So often we think and talk about "There will be a day" when we go to Heaven and meet Christ. That's the "Love your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength" part of the gospel. What about the "And a second is just as important. Love your neighbor as much or more than yourself". That's "Let it be today". God's purpose for us is not to be sitting around, comfortable and waiting. We are to be productive for His glory. We are to take risks in helping others. And we are to be salt and light in our depraved culture. Do I always get it right? Nope. And many of you know that. I'm far from perfect. But I serve a Lord that is. "And on that day" He has me covered. Blessings. Thanks for stopping by.