Pity the Farmer--Or Not
It isn't easy to be a farmer in western Nebraska. Work is hard and sometimes tedious, equipment breaks down at the most inopportune times, markets fluctuate. And then, there is the weather. That unpredictable, sometimes horrifying, often all-too-predictable weather.
It's been one of those years.
We are used to the wind here, but this year's weather has not been exceptionally windy.
Farmers have gotten used to the drought, too, that has been a part of our lives in recent years. They may complain about the cost of irrigating, and the hard work involved, but they get by. Irrigation is a way of life for western Nebraska farmers.
We all shudder at the thought of hail, but accept it, reluctantly, as a normal hazard of farming. That's why farmers have insurance.
May snowstorms, like we experienced this year, are rare, but usually provide only a minor hiccup in the farmers' spring routine. And normal, occasional spring rains are always welcome, even when they temporarily disrupt planting. There is always another day to plant.
But, not this year. It's been one of those years, one of those rare years, when farmers are complaining about too much rain. Corn is stunted, sometimes yellow, longing for hot, sunny days. Fields have been too muddy or too flooded, to plant beans. So, now, in mid June, many fields are still empty, waiting for seeds to be sown. They may wait in vain.
So, should we pity the farmers? I don't think so. I have noticed that many farmers, more so than other people in our society, have learned that they can't rely on themselves to produce the crops that provide their livelihoods. Many farmers I know seem to have a close relationship with God, because they have learned that he alone is able to provide everything they need.
Weather is not reliable. God is. So, here is a gentle reminder for all of my frustrated farmer friends, from Philippians 4: 19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus"--again! (And I'll keep on praying for your peace of mind, and a little less rain.)
It's been one of those years.
We are used to the wind here, but this year's weather has not been exceptionally windy.
Farmers have gotten used to the drought, too, that has been a part of our lives in recent years. They may complain about the cost of irrigating, and the hard work involved, but they get by. Irrigation is a way of life for western Nebraska farmers.
We all shudder at the thought of hail, but accept it, reluctantly, as a normal hazard of farming. That's why farmers have insurance.
May snowstorms, like we experienced this year, are rare, but usually provide only a minor hiccup in the farmers' spring routine. And normal, occasional spring rains are always welcome, even when they temporarily disrupt planting. There is always another day to plant.
But, not this year. It's been one of those years, one of those rare years, when farmers are complaining about too much rain. Corn is stunted, sometimes yellow, longing for hot, sunny days. Fields have been too muddy or too flooded, to plant beans. So, now, in mid June, many fields are still empty, waiting for seeds to be sown. They may wait in vain.
So, should we pity the farmers? I don't think so. I have noticed that many farmers, more so than other people in our society, have learned that they can't rely on themselves to produce the crops that provide their livelihoods. Many farmers I know seem to have a close relationship with God, because they have learned that he alone is able to provide everything they need.
Weather is not reliable. God is. So, here is a gentle reminder for all of my frustrated farmer friends, from Philippians 4: 19: "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus"--again! (And I'll keep on praying for your peace of mind, and a little less rain.)
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