Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
By Carie Moore
We put our faith in a lot of things: That the tractor will start, our children will be perfect, our relationships will be rewarding, our jobs will be fulfilling, and our heat and water will work when it’s freezing outside. How many of these things fail or left you dissatisfied? I can count on all my family’s fingers and toes the many times we’ve been without water, relationships got messy, calls were received from the elementary school, and tractors didn’t start. (Note to self: Don’t forget to plug in the tractor at night or you will have some unplanned “free time” in the morning.)
How about those jobs we dream of having where we make all the money we need, go in at 8 and come home at 5 to smiling faces and everyone eats what we cook with no complaints? That’s not my life, for sure. Last night I had kids crying on the floor because I came in from the field and heated up lasagna hot dish. Meanwhile, grandma made hotdogs and French fries and they wanted to go back there and eat. Right now, with canola, beans, wheat and oats still in the field, I’m not in any frame of mind to deal with that. They’re getting fed.
I quit my off-farm job about 6 months ago completely on faith in God. So many of us want our path charted and know day by day, hour by hour what to expect. I was that person. I have changed some. I still like plans and organization, but the big picture is unknown, and I’m listening and following in faith.
Our needs – not all my wants – are being met. The bills and necessities are taken care of. For many farmers this year, that is not the case.
I have been placed in this time of my life that I never would have chosen on my own, but I do know I am where I’m supposed to be. I have been able to help other people who are struggling with finding help, finances, health, and other situations. Hauling bales, helping at the local café, or with a harvest, has been teaching me life lessons and gratefulness. Faith without works is dead. I have faith and I can talk about it all I want but until I prove outwardly that I trust someone other than myself, it’s not believable to others.
If I’m selling a tractor and I say it will start on the first crank, unless I show the buyer, it really doesn’t mean much. That’s also why we as farmers and ranchers want you to have faith in us. Because we aren’t just telling you things, we are doing and living them just like you are. We are eating the food we grow, we are raising our families with love and dedication, just like you are. We are struggling in our jobs and our finances, just like you are. We have faith in you, that you will buy our commodities. We want to be encouraged by the fact that your child made the Varsity team because he worked hard and ate nutritious meals consisting of beef, pork, chicken, potatoes, bread, and corn.
Of all the many earthly things we put faith into every day, I encourage all of us to put faith in each other, our food and our farmers.