Good Investments

Back in the late 1970s we were needing a 2nd tractor. With the help of my father-in-law, and borrowing his idea, we built "The Hybrid". The front half is a 1957 1 Ton Chevy truck. The back half is a 1937 Graham-Bradley tractor, which were sold by Sears- Roebuck at the time, which owned the Bradley factory. Production lasted only two years and Graham switched to wartime production.

The Hybrid was part of our farming operation for years. Our kids learned to drive it when they were still looking through the steering wheel. In their teen years they would drive it to school or town and get in trouble. Finally the motor went bad. It has been sitting under the trees in the coal mine hole for 25 years.

This winter we decided to drag it in the shop and re-invest some time and resources into it. Our helper, Jim, put in a motor and radiator he had laying in his shop from his dirt track racing days. We ordered doors and fenders from LMC Truck parts in Kansas. Jim is patching holes in the cab floor by riveting sheet metal over them. Tatum, I, and Brynn are on the drivers side watching him. Our grandkids will be the fourth generation to enjoy a "Hybrid" experience. Stay tuned.

My first two farming investments were an IHC 856 in 1973 for $9500, and a 3/4 ton Chevy pickup in 1974 for $5500. I was 17 years old. I started farming with a $26000 FHA loan at 7% interest.

The best investment I've ever made on earth was just months after I graduated from high school. I took Jan to Bookin Jewelry in Ottumwa, asked her to pick out a diamond ring, and discussed with her about getting married. I was so naive. I didn't know you were supposed to officially propose. I even forgot to ask her father. I was such a goofy looking fellow in wire rim glasses. But she agreed, and on March 7 we will be married for 50 years. I love you more than ever Jan!

This past Wednesday afternoon Karl, Caleb, Mike, Paul, Cole, and several fathers took their 4th grade boys ice fishing on our pond.

Everyone caught fish. And around 5:30 everyone came into the shop for pizza and fish stories. Including John's phone falling down a hole in the ice.

Spending time with kids and grandkids is a mandate. It's an investment and responsibility our culture is forgetting because of busy lifestyles. The consequences of neglecting this is showing in our country today. However the benefits are promised if we are diligent. "The Godly give generous loans to others. And their children are a blessing" Psalms 37:26. Mike and Paul helped every 4th grader clean their own fish. 

Investing in others takes time and effort. It has risks. However the rewards are priceless. Last evening I was reading a book written by a prominent implement dealer in our community. He had a whole chapter about coffeetimes. Including coming to our shop and enjoying Jan's goodies.

So are investments in possessions wrong? The Bible is full of stories of God telling folks to be fruitful and multiply. That means more than kids. He promises increase. No. Possessions are not wrong. However loving them and putting them ahead of God is wrong. Everything we have has been shared with us by the Lord. That's why we say thank you to Him by sharing with others. We're not taking our possessions to Heaven with us you know. Hearses don't pull U-Hauls to the cemetery.

So is there anything we can take with us to Heaven? Yes. Others. It's not our job to save folks, that's God and the Holy Spirit. It is our job however to pray for, to be an example to, and yes, to talk to others about their investment into eternity. My father was rather blunt. He told me I needed fire insurance. He said I had better make sure I was going to heaven because burning in hell for an eternity would be awful. His approach was effective, but missed the point. I think there are many folks today that have accepted God's gift of salvation, but are missing the personal relationship with God. Prayer is a conversation. Music is worship. Fasting is discipline. Bible reading is God-given wisdom. Church is fellowship with God and others. That's Heaven on earth folks. Have a good week.