Fields of Dreams

I grew up on the farm… memories of falling asleep as a young boy in a corner of the cab of the combine while my dad harvested corn, the sound and smell of the huge dryer as it removed the moisture so the crop could be stored in one of the grain bins. Even as I grew older, that sound comforted me as I went to bed on a crisp Fall night.

Endless opportunities to play – climbing around the old corncrib, using wooden stakes as pretend fighter jets, getting into a tractor or combine and dream of driving it, or flying it! Until there came a day when I did get to drive it – late cool evenings of shredding corn stocks with no cab, but feeling the warmth and roar of the engine; long, hot, careful days of cultivating corn and soybeans, breakdowns, and waiting for dad to fix it, and that one time I drove the 4-wheel drive tractor into the ditch!

These are just a small portion of the memories I have of growing up as the son of a farmer, who didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps. So much more… my dad, who dreamed of being a farmer since he was a boy, and by God’s help, made that a reality. For over 60 years my dad farmed the land that has been in the family for over a century. For over 60 years he labored and toiled and built and fixed and bought and sold – to care for his family and to realize his dream of becoming a successful farmer.

Dad reluctantly retired just a couple years ago, but still found plenty of projects to work on. Now the time has come to discontinue the farming operation. This Sunday, November 18, Mom and Dad are selling almost all of their farm equipment and tools in an auction. Every tractor, every piece of equipment, has a memory, a story – and behind that story is the reality of God’s faithfulness.

It won’t be easy for him to watch so much of what he’s given his life to-go to the highest bidder. He still tells us, “I’ve got equipment that’s worth now more than when I bought it!” He’s always prided himself on a good deal and on taking care of older equipment rather than buying new. I imagine some of these auction prices will disappoint him.

But I pray that he will also be allowed to see the day from a different perspective than simply loss. There will be grief and loss, but they don’t have the final word. There is loss because there was great gain along the way. God was faithful. He provided. Again, and again, and again.

The chapters of our lives on this earth aren’t forever. The chapter of fulfilling the dream of a successful farmer are coming to a close. But there’s a new chapter to come – one that may not be better or worse – but can be full. Dad still has that for which he gave his life to in farming- his wife, and an ever-growing family, who dearly love him.

So Dad, we will be praying for you on this wonderfully hard day of seeing earthly possessions being turned over to others. As you yourself said, “You can’t take them with you.” Keep looking to Jesus. May He satisfy you completely in the days ahead. He is with you as He always has been.

Your family is around you – though some of us are an ocean away – and we are so, so proud of you and love you dearly!