The Company We Keep

Hard times make strong men. Strong men make good times. Good times make weak men. Weak men make hard times. 

7 strong young men (grandsons) came to help Grandpa yesterday. Lane's cousins are explaining to him that some old folks still write in cursive, as he looks at his paycheck for the day. Cursive writing is a dying art for most anyone under 40 years old.

The people we spend time with have an influence on us. Our character and actions are often shaped by those we associate with. Our help is good company, and we had a busy week wrapping up the last 7 NH3 jobs.

On Wednesday morning Dean, Kasey, and I loaded up skid loaders and went to pile brush. Afterwards we stopped at Applebees in Pella for a late lunch.

With the rest of our crew preoccupied, two older fellows (Dean and I) worked together to put in a string of tile. Mike came to build the terrace before we even had the tile ditch filled.

Mike and brother Doug donated their time, equipment, and fuel to do clearing and dirtwork for "Developing Great Relationships" north of Pella along the South Skunk River.

"Folks will ask, Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or alone, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and help? Then the King will answer, when you helped (kept company with) the least of my people here on earth, you were helping Me". Matthew 25:37-40.

Thanks to grandsons, Ezra and Elijah, for helping high-speed disc ground going to soybeans. If the weather holds, spraying pre-herbicide could start next week. 

Since Ezra, Elijah, Elliot, Zach, Jackson, Jayden, and Lane came to help yesterday, we went to Walmart and loaded 140 bags of brown mulch. We re-mulched Jan's flowers and bushes along the north side of our shop with 100 bags.

Then we went out and picked up over a dozen loads of roots and rocks. You've heard folks say that the 1st generation "makes things happen". The 2nd generation "watches things happen". And the 3rd generation "wonders what happened". If older generations give opportunities (not things) to the next generation. And then keep company with the following generation; with God's help, future generations will continue to "make things happen".

A song from my younger days came to mind Friday evening as the rain and dark clouds rolled through. "Many times Satan whispers, There is no need to try. For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by". 

That same song finishes, "But I know you are with me, and tomorrow I'll rise... Keep me safe till the storm passes by".  Our God reigns. Thanks for the picture of our place Mandy.

We will have storms in 2025. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle that's getting more intense. We have a choice. Will we listen to the devil saying there is no hope and no need to try. Or will we keep company with God who tells us, "I will not keep you from storms. They help you grow. However, I promise to walk with you through those storms". Blessings.