2 AM Friends

I walked into the Beacon Caseys store one Easter Sunday morning 40 years ago. Mary was making donuts back in the kitchen (before Caseys pizza). She would get to work shortly after 2 AM. She was a rough gal, about 75 years old, could swear like a sailor. One morning her 50 yr old son walked in asking his mother for money. Anyhow, back to my story, Mary hollers across the store, "Steve, He has risen". I reply, "yes He has". Mary says, "No Steve, you're supposed to say, He has risen indeed". I had underestimated this gal.

The only other year I can remember a crop going in this fast was 1977. Jan and I started planting our fewer acres April 19 and finished on the 23rd. That year was a severe drought. We brought the Hybrid to the gadget show at the Iowa State Fair. We bought the farm we currently live on. And our first son, Michael, was born.

A 2AM friend is the true meaning of friendship. They honor God by loving their neighbor more than they love themselves. A 2AM friend will share, no questions asked. They are rare individuals we can call on in our darkest moments. They will listen without judgement. Once in awhile they will care enough to ask you hard questions. Below, Kasey is washing Karl's sprayer for him late, after a long day.

I think envy is the opposite of a 2AM friend. When folks are not just jealous of someone, but wanting to bring them down because of their accomplishments. Without God's help and grace, it is impossible to fight envy, to handle authority, power, and status, even in church during Jesus day. Mark 15:10 talks about Pilate, a non-believer, immediately recognized the true reason the religious leaders hated Jesus was out of envy.

Being thankful is an emotion. Giving thanks is an action. Actions teach much better than emotion. And counteracts envy. Yesterday, early, I sent my help in for breakfast. This is Grandma fixing them sandwiches for lunch. Don't underestimate our gals. And give thanks for them!

We have postponed planting on a couple of farms so we can do some tiling and dirtwork on them.

While grandsons Ezra and Elijah were doing customwork, getting ground ready to plant, Elliot was home getting ground ready for sweetcorn.

While planting his field yesterday, grandson John asked Ella to be his wife. Congratulations kiddos. After God, our spouse is our true lifetime 2AM friend. I'm guessing by the end of this year BJ and Cassia will have three married children.

Kudos to Leah and Jesse for using Easter week to discuss faith and family in their podcast, The Farmers Greatest Asset.

"Oh to see the dawn of the darkest day. What a love. What a cost. We stand forgiven. This the power of the cross" (Keith Getty). This morning we celebrate an empty tomb, our Savior's victory over Satan and death for us. Don't miss worshipping at a church with an "empty" cross.

Just before Jesus's trial and crucifixion, He celebrated the Lord's Supper with His disciples. He washed their feet to show an action of servanthood. In His darkest moment, He went out to pray and asked His 2AM friends to pray with him. They let Him down and fell asleep. They all ran, after Jesus was arrested. The Bible talks about some women at the cross. It also tells the story of women heading to the empty tomb on Sunday morning to embalm the body. I worked with a couple of ladies Friday planning a celebration of life get-together at our cabin. Guys, don't underestimate the gals God uses.

At the end of the day God is our true 2AM friend. I know, I'm not forgetting He is also Holy, Majestic, and Ruler of the world. Yet, He sent His Son, Jesus, to save us. And then He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us. I am living proof of the mercy and grace of the Lord. Because I am nothing without Him. Life is short. Don't miss this gift!