Opportunities

A story is told in the Bible about a landowner who was going to be gone for a period of time. He called his help together for instructions while he was away. He entrusted the first of his helpers five talents (opportunities). The second two. And the last helper he gave one opportunity. The landowner asked them all to make the most of what he had entrusted to them.

After a long time the landowner returned from his trip. He gathered his help and asked them to give him an account of what they had done with their opportunities. The first said he taken his five opportunities and made five more. The landowner said, "Good job, you have honored me by being productive". The second helper said he had doubled his two opportunities. The landowner said, "Well done, that's what I mean by being fruitful. You have been faithful in small things. I will make you responsible for bigger things. Let's celebrate". The last helper admitted he hadn't used his talent. That he was afraid he might lose it because there were risks involved. And had actually buried it. He offered to give it back. The landowner said, "You wicked servant. You knew I gave it to you for a reason. At least you could have put it out on interest so someone else could use it. Depart from me". The story ends with the landowner (God) saying, "To those who use well, more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away".

We have all been given opportunities. Some five. Some two. Some just one. Our opportunities come in our faith walk making disciples. In our families, either biological or other groups we're asked to be in. With our friends and neighbors sharing. And yes, even in our businesses, God expects us to do our best for His glory.

Last Sunday noon I was reminded of generational blessings (and opportunities and responsibilities). Two generations ago in 1973 I applied for and received an FHA loan to buy my first tractor, an IHC 856 for $9500. In 1976 I traded that tractor for a different one with a cab. However 21 years later I found it for sale and bought it back.

One generation ago in the 1990s we had Gary, that same photographer we talked about a couple of weeks ago, take our family picture around that IHC 856 after we bought it back and cleaned it up.

Last Sunday our family got together for lunch. I asked for a family picture around that same first tractor. I'd like to tell you we had this plan. We so did not. There is a song on the radio right now that says, "God is in this story. He is in the details. He holds my heart even in my weakness". You see, when God (the landowner) gives us opportunities, He knows we are not capable of results without His grace. He is just asking for our willingness. To step out and take a risk.

We have two days of soybean harvest left in Jasper and Marion counties. And then some corn as well. Going to the bin keeps the combines going. However we have had a challenge getting forward sold contracts in, especially Burlington on the Mississippi River.

The Mississippi River is at a 30 year low in depth due to our dry season. This picture was taken in Vicksburg, Louisiana. Thanks Brice. The barges that get loaded from soybeans we all bring them are struggling due to low water levels. Also inflation has bit the barge industry. Last fall it cost $.78 to haul a bushel of grain from St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico on a barge. A month ago that cost was $1.40/bushel. Today that shipping cost has skyrocketed to $105/ton. Or $2.94/bu. This is a problem and is the reason hours and basis at the river are so difficult. Thanks for sharing the info Pat.

Yesterday Becky and Brian's Zach (6th grade) helped cut soybeans with our grandkid combine while his older brother Ezra (9th grade) ran the graincart. Cousins Jackson (3rd grade) and Malaki  also followed their dads and uncles with graincarts unloading the combines when needed.

I figure you're tired of pictures in the field eating supper. However I so appreciate the girls making and bringing out a meal. This was Emily's Friday evening. Ham balls, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, macaroni salad, and a peach cobbler pudding with carmel sauce.

Fertilizer is again expensive this fall. And Anhydrous (nitrogen) for next years corn crop is in short supply. So we are busy getting our corn on corn acres chiseled for NH3 application. However we need a rain bad so the NH3 can attach to the soil particles as it waits to be put to work next spring.

I hesitated to share this story. But I'm going to for two reasons. Thursday noon a front axle sway bar broke on one of our semis. And while making a left turn the rear axle tried to climb over the front axle flipping the semi on it's side.

While combining along the 4-lane on the north edge of Ottumwa Karl loaded his semi and left for Burlington. An asphalt company was working just in front of the entrance ramp on Hwy 63 east so Karl had to go through town. His truck upset turning left at the stoplight at the junction of Hwy 63 and Hwy 34 dumping his load in a park. However God was in the details. Reason #1: I believe had he gotten on the 4-lane there would have been a possibility the same thing might have happened going around the big left corner past Greiner Imp east of town at 65mph. The damage possibilities at that speed would have been much more severe to the truck and the driver.

Reason #2: I would like to thank all of you that helped clean up and I apologize in advance for missing folks. Much of our farming crew plus Brad, Brent, Kyle, Dean and Elijah scooping in the picture, the Ottumwa fire department and police, Daren, and Rick. I would also like to thank all of you who cared and called to make sure everyone was ok. To all of you who called and offered to loan us a truck as we continue to harvest. And finally I'd like to recognize and thank the crew at Outer Limits Truck Repair for working hard getting our truck back on the road the day following the accident. Below is a picture of the truck involved. We were using it yesterday unloading beans in Kurt and Emily's bin.

Have you ever had one group of your friends meet another group? Tuesday evening at The Brew coffee shop in Pella, Kristin, Bob, and Chuck from The Family Leader, where I serve on the board, visited with a small group of folks interested in Christian education, upcoming legislative action, and being willing to make a difference. Thanks to each and every one of you attending.

Sunday evening I heard an excellent message on the radio station from Pella talking about culture and asking his congregation where has the churches voice been during our last two years of the evils happening in our declining culture that not only ignores God but defies Him. Kudos Pastor Greg. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

My thoughts are not as put together as some visits. It's been a busy week. However I'd like to wrap up with this. Knowledge comes from learning and involves our heads. Common sense comes from experience and uses our hands. Perception comes from our senses, feelings, and uses our gut. And finally Wisdom comes from God and uses our heart. Use all of these for the opportunities the landowner (God) has given us. Yes, there are risks involved. But don't bury them. And in gratitude, share opportunities with others. Have a great week.