Business Under A Shade Tree

Twelve years ago this month Jan and I visited my sister Beth and her family in southeastern Africa where she was teaching English. During that visit, I met, became friends with, and continue to be friends with a South African farmer. While visiting his farm I asked him how he did his marketing. I'll never forget his answer. He said,"Steve, we do business under a shade tree".

What that answer meant was with the lack of infrastructure, red tape, inefficiencies, and a work force that didn't have the ability or desire to work, he adapted to his environment. This past week I've had a number of examples that reminded me of changes happening in our country.

During early morning coffee I learned we have a couple of rural routes in our community that don't have mail delivery to their home due to lack of help. They have been asked to pick their mail up at their local post office during certain hours. I also received a call this week from a crop retailer asking that we start direct depositing our commodity checks to our bank. They said it is not uncommon any more for a sent check in the mail to take 10 to 14 days to get delivered to the producer.

Twelve years ago I watched folks in Africa use church based medical clinics or home remedies to treat illnesses. I have a profound respect for the medical professionals in our country. But their culture is changing all around them. I currently have a friend and helper that has serious health issues. Yet he waits weeks on health insurance approval and months on doctor appointments.

When we started farming there were seven active tractor dealerships in our home town of Oskaloosa. And all seven brands were built here in America. Today there are three main tractor manufacturers. And most dealerships own and operate 30+ stores. More and more of our tractors are being built in Europe.

Every year Jan and I drive these southern border roads while on our week long get-away to Arizona. We stop and visit with border patrol agents. 3rd world countries usually have corrupt leadership because of lack of accountability. They enforce rules that hurt their opponents. And overlook rules that they feel benefit themselves. Thanks for the picture.

Don't take me too seriously this morning. We still live in the best, most opportunistic country in the world. We can still worship freely. We can still share our faith with others by word and example. There is another thing I have experienced in my visits abroad. Folks in poorer countries have a contentment, grateful heart, and generous spirit. One day during a visit to Malawi, Miriam said, "Steve, don't be so pressurized". 😊

With our moderate temps the past weeks, Mike is heading back to dozing next week. BJ and John have already been tiling near Ottumwa.

Floyd, Aaron, and Jerry, helped line our shop across the road. We have customers coming for breakfast and a planter clinic Wednesday.  BJ and Cassia's, Rachel and Carson, are getting married here April 12.

We continue working in the shop. Dean helped BJ replace a bearing and he and John have been hauling manure.

Kudos to an Iowa State grad for using his platform to share his faith. The darker our culture gets the brighter the light shines.

2000 years ago Jesus also did business under a shade tree. Zacchaeus collected taxes for a corrupt Roman government in Jericho. He had heard about, and wanted to learn more about Jesus. The kids' song doesn't tell the whole story when it talks about the wee little man climbing in a sycamore tree. And as the Savior pasted that way, he said, "Zacchaeus, you come down. For I'm going to your house today". The crowd muttered about Jesus going to the home of a sinner. And the church leaders started looking for a way to kill Him. Zacchaeus gained eternity that day. And God used evil intending men to accomplish His purpose.

We have been visiting about doing business under a shade tree. We also need to be a shade tree to those around us. No matter what our or their circumstances are. Blessings.