Thanks For Everything

I had been asked to check out a field of oats and alfalfa we had drilled for someone. It had a 120 foot strip that didn't look right. We decided it was herbicide carryover. And suggested we come back in late August and replant the strip. As we finished our conversation the farmer said, "Thanks for everything". 

Our crew starts drinking black coffee young. Right Lane?

My brother received a call about a controller acting up. He went to check it out and found he was able to reprogram the faulty device. The next day the farmer called my brother and said,"Thanks for everything". It hasn't worked this well for a long time.

The business industry recommends companys strive for satisfied customers. You seldom hear from satisfied customers. When a customer calls to say thanks, or good job, it means you've made a difference. When someone responds with a "thanks for everything" it's a comprehensive heartfelt form of gratitude that says this is not just a business deal. This is a relationship. 

Mark and Kasey helped load and haul broken concrete to a creek crossing while the fields were wet.

My goal is to start mowing road ditches by Memorial Day. We got a couple of week head start this year.

The only field work accomplished this past week was a little spraying. And a little planting late last evening. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

We live in such a status quo culture where everyone wants to be just like others. Don't ask yourself if you're keeping up with others. Ask yourself if you're keeping up with the potential God gave you. You can do way more than you ever dreamed.

Most of us grew up as kids wanting to fit in at school. That feeling doesn't change when we become adults. Fitting in is good. However don't let just good keep you from being exceptional. This crew of grandkids were exceptional helping Grandpa yesterday.

How does one go from good to exceptional? My definition is to care more, to risk more, to help more, to dream more, to give more, and to expect more. I have eight exceptional gals in my life. My wife Jan. Our daughter Becky. Our daughter-in-laws Suzanne, Stacy, Cassia, Emily, and Kristin. And my mother. Happy Mother's Day. I love you all. And thanks for everything. Most of you aren't crazy about your pictures on our visit, so I just used Mom. 😊

Our children's families are all in the crazy busy years. Ball games, trap shooting, music lessons, 4-H, committee meetings, church and school boards, school field trips, kids with part time jobs, and parenting. Thanks for everything. Malaki is up to bat in the picture below.

Jan stays busy with her yard, a beautiful garden, cooking, running and cleaning the cabin for events, shopping down south with the Amish and Mennonites for herself and others, and grandkids. Below Malaki is dumping grass clippings that Jan will use for mulch.

This past Friday evening Jan and I went with Becky and her family to see the movie, Unsung Hero, in New Sharon. It is a true story of the Smallbone family who immigrated to the USA from Australia. I related to the story in three ways. At the time the came to the USA they had 5 boys and a girl, as do we. They had a very talented daughter Rebecca, as do we. And finally in the early years, God had to get the father to surrender to His help during hard times, as He had to do with me 40 years ago. Singer Rebecca Saint James and musical band, For King and Country are the kids from this family.

After getting home from New Sharon, Becky took this picture of the northern lights. I don't understand the science behind this. I see it as signs and wonders of an awesome God. Just like thunder and lighting, and a rainbow. Remember folks, we're not here at this place and time by accident. Thanks for everything God.