Willpower

Willpower is the ability and determination to do difficult things. It is also the ability to give up short term gratification for one's long term purpose.

Grit and gratitude are the antidotes for a lack of willpower. So if the mower-conditioner breaks down, or the sprayer is misbehaving, or the markets are low, or our week doesn't go as expected, we focus on persistence and acknowledging and appreciating for the good things that happen. 

We sprayed for bugs on alfalfa acres this past week. 3rd cutting is about a week away. We also finished custom spraying 2nd pass soybeans.

We hauled both old crop corn and soybeans for others. The lower markets are reflecting the possibility of a large new crop pollinating in the field right now under ideal conditions here in southern Iowa.

The guys continue to mow grass hay for ourselves and others. Below I brought Kasey fuel one evening south of Eddyville.

Karl and family are getting in weaner pigs. Farming is a great place to help your Dad, like Malaki and Sydnie are doing. Thanks for the picture Karl.

The next few weeks are fair time all over rural America. It's a time of comradery and community. Kudos to the willpower of the volunteers and fair boards that make these events happen.

Becky and Brian's Zach came on the 4th of July to help Jan and I with projects. One of his more interesting jobs was to cut out some onery willow trees that continued to grow under water in our pond across the road. The yellow rope was attached to his hand tree clippers in case he dropped it.

Last evening around 90 extended family members came for our cousins reunion. Kudos to Doug and Ginger, Alan and Joyce, and Beth and Dan. At a service before supper, sister Beth and cousin Joni led a song service with their daughters. Brother Doug did a great job of using that 1962 picture of our grandparent's 45th anniversary to remind us to be thankful for God's faithfulness even during tough times. And to make good use of what time we have left here on earth. So obviously Grandpa Bill and Grandma Tinnie are gone. All 10 of their children and spouses (our parents) are gone except my mother and Aunt Marilyn. And 12 of my 40 cousins have passed away. However an additional 3 generations from our cousins were here, including our great-granddaughter Rosie.

So when lightning strikes (hardships and tough times), what happens to our willpower? Will we continue to grow and just have a scar like this tree below? Or will it split us? Grit and gratitude come only with God's help and by His grace. Blessings.