Our lives are full of negotiables. Things that are open for discussion or modification. Things where there might be multiple paths to a solution. Things you talk over until you reach an agreement. I took this picture of Jan having discussions with five sons after bringing breakfast to the shop.
For instance, a negotiable might be would one use a 50 yr old combine or a 15 yr old one to harvest crops?
Does one forward contract crops out of the field, or store them? Farmers are in a slow realization that they may not "bushel out" (big crop) this fall to make up for depressed prices.
Does one pay higher fertilizer prices this fall? Or gamble and wait till spring?
Back in July, did you spray fungicide, or decide to quit spending inputs on low commodity prices?
After my cancer diagnosis, someone asked me what my goals were for the rest of my life, whether short or long. A great question. One you all should ask yourself by the way. Everyone of us will have different answers. I came up with 10 goals that I enjoy, that I value, that define me. These are my non-negotiables.
1. Will care about others.
2. Will share what I have.
3. Will give generously.
4. Will acknowledge God's help in my life.
5. Will give 110% effort.
6. Will be committed to my wife, my kids and grandkids, and our help.
7. Will embrace change.
8. Will continue to write stories about God's faithfulness.
9. Will finish strong to the best of my abilities.
10. Will value relationships over property.
I've seen folks live by one set of rules with their faith walk on Sundays. And then have a different set of rules with their businesses the rest of the week. As I watched the kids, grandkids, and help harvest late last week I decided our non-negotiables need to have an impact on our everyday negotiables.
Be sure and drop in again next week. I've got a great story about the visit of the summer.
4 comments:
Great reminders, great perspective, at any age, in any stage of health or life! When i think of solid mentors, I often think of you. 👍🙏✝️
Thanks Chuck
Steve, your non-negotiables challenge me to examine my own priorities through the lens of Scripture, like James 2:17, which reminds me that faith without works is dead. Your commitment to generosity, relationships, and unwavering effort pushes me to ask: Am I truly living out my faith in every decision, as Colossians 3:23 urges, doing all as unto the Lord? Thank you for the conviction to align my daily choices with eternal values.
May the faithful Lord continue to use you as His instrument to inspire faith to all who loves the Lord. To encourage unwavering commitment, to your Lord, your family, friends and calling to farming for His glory. If I have to summarize your 10 non negotiable goals. I see Psalms 92:12-15 in all these goals. God bless you.
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