farm and family
Have you ever noticed how much happens on a farm? There is a lot of work. Right now in our old farmhouse there is an abundance of painting to be completed. Thankfully, I’ve had help. Even from the beagle who rarely leaves my side and makes it his personal goal to put himself between me and my paint!
Painted Beagle
Our farm is small in comparison to many, but there is always work to be done, animals to be cared for, plans to be made, and projects to be finished. And every now and then a bit of wisdom shows up in normal everyday conversations.
That happened this week. One of the kids commented, “It’s living on the farm. It doesn’t matter what needs to be done, you just jump in and do it.” The statement was made in the midst of understanding communal living, but there is wisdom for our families too.
We share labor on the farm working alongside one another daily. There is an ebb and flow between hard work and fun tasks, jobs that are frustrating and ones that are fulfilling. It’s a little different everyday. But this isn’t a fairytale like Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs where we merrily go about whistling while we work. Not everyone is happy all the time. Sometimes there is anger, tears, and misunderstandings which can’t be left for later. And when that happens we often take the necessary time away from the tasks to heal the relationship. And then continue to run toward the same goals.
That wisdom about the farm, “It doesn’t matter what needs to be done, you just jump in and do it,” should be the legacy we leave our family. I’m not talking about the willingness to do physical labor on a farm, but rather doing what needs to be done within all aspects of our family.
When we focus on our emotional, spiritual, and relational well being it creates a healthy dynamic for our children and grandchildren. A farm takes dedication and persistence to thrive. Our families require the same. I want that to be part of the legacy that I leave for my family. How about you?
Searching for wisdom and asking for grace,
Jody