Getting Ready for Spring

I had to stop for this tractor and liquid manure spreader recently. It may have cost a minute or two of my time, but the other guy’s safety was well worth it.

What you don’t see is the operator behind his equipment. He was using a push broom to sweep mud off the road that his equipment had brought there. The man was being a good neighbor to those who lived around there.

With spring just around the corner, many farmers have started getting their fields ready for planting. This picture is a great reminder that we need to be careful with the increased activity on many rural roadways.

Perhaps, it may also serve to help us remember to slow down through life in general.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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An Old Barn and Chevy Pick-Up

Sometimes you stumble upon a fascinating scene that’s hidden on some small dirt road.

That was definitely the case when I came across this old Chevrolet pickup parked under a barn overhang.  After making a delivery at a nearby residence, I stopped long enough to grab this photo of that scene.

While I had driven past that barn on many occasions, that day was the first time that I had seen that Chevy parked there.  It was an image that seemed to be jump out of some painting or old picture.

The vintage truck and old barn serve as reminders of a different era.

There was a time when generations of family members spent much of their time together.  Fathers and sons would work side by side to plant and harvest crops.  Families would join together for times of prayer and Sunday dinners.

Of course, things were made to last back then.  Buildings were built more for function, than beauty.  People seemed to be more resourceful – not always chasing after the current fads, but rather they often made more effort to take care of what they already had.

This scene is a great visual reminder of our need to slow down and rest.  That’s the opposite of what we are often seem to believe – as most of us are now constantly moving.

We’re inundated with new technologies today that are supposed to make our lives easier and save us time.  Yet, it seems as if many of us have less time for our family and friends – the things that truly matter in life.

Likewise, social media often promises to keep us more connected with others.  But instead, as many of our friendships are maintained behind computer and phone screens, we lack the physical and emotional aspects of our relationships with loved ones.  We must “unplug” from our devices to really connect with our family and friends.

As I contemplate that old truck and barn, I’m reminded that some of life’s best lessons are found on those little gravel roads.  It’s in those places where forgotten memories often have a way of helping us see what is truly important.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Be Like Maynard

While making a delivery at a house some time ago, two young brothers were riding bikes near my truck.  While I was unloading, the older one who was perhaps about six, stopped to talk to me several times.

At one point, he told me that his father worked for a man named “Maynard”.  Then, the boy said that he wanted to work for Maynard someday, too.

Well, I’m not sure who Maynard is.  But apparently, he must be a pretty nice man.

Since that day, I’ve thought several times about that conversation that I had with that young boy.

Each one of us has countless opportunities to make impressions on people.

How often do we take time to show kindness to those who we come into contact with – even little children?  Do people see that we genuinely care about them?  Or, do they feel like they’re an inconvenience to us as we hurry through our days?

The fact that that young boy wants to work for his father’s boss also says something.  If you’re an employer or manager, would your employees recommend that their children seek employment under you?

As we go through each day, let’s be conscientious of the people who cross our paths.  How we treat them may impact them in ways that we will never know.  Let us treat others in a way that they know that they’re valued by God – and us.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Path of Leaves

Like many people, I love to see trees display the changing fall colors of their leaves.

However, leaves often lose some of my interest once they have fallen off of the trees.

As they dry and decay on the ground, their vibrant colors fade.

I realize that the brown, shriveled remains make for a good compost and ground cover for gardens. Fallen leaves also provide the fuel for an autumn bonfire to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Yet, they also serve as a reminder that summer is over.

It was recently while making a delivery when I saw these newly-fallen leaves.

The fence helped them to form a type of path.

Still wearing their bright colors, they serve as a reminder that peace, and even joy, can be found in nearly every circumstance, regardless of where life seems to lead us.

These leaves help to remind us that when we keep our eyes on the One who colors them, then we will always find hope in every season and situation that we face.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Oreo Cookie Cows

I was making a delivery to a dairy farm one day when I saw these two head of cattle.

At first glance, many people may think that they’re Holsteins because of their black and white coloring.  However, they’re a breed known as Dutch Belted – or around here, they’re sometimes referred to as Canadian Belted.

The breed originally came from Switzerland and Austria.  However, it was the Dutch nobility who officially established the breed.  Today, this breed is very rare in America, with less than two hundred head of cattle officially registered.

These cows brought back memories.

When I was growing up, there was a farm a couple of miles from my grandparents’ house who had several head of this breed.  My family used to refer to those animals as the “Oreo Cookie Cows” because of their white centers and black ends.

Seeing these cows remind me of the great diversity that we see in Creation.  Even something that’s black and white – in this case, cows – has the ability to show us God’s amazing handiwork.

We often think of majestic mountains, roaring rivers or the brilliant lights of the sky when we think about God’s greatness.  Yet, these cows are a great example of the extraordinary ways that He is always at work.

While many may see these cows as ordinary, they’re not.  Dutch Belted cattle were a nobility’s chosen breed that allows us to see the Creator’s genius at caring for us.

Have a great day!

“How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”  –  Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Cold, Worn Wagon

It’s obvious that this old wagon has seen better times. Now, it’s closing out its last days as a rustic lawn ornament – as it slowly rots and rusts away from the effects of the seasons and elements.

Perhaps, there are times when many people think that they can relate to this picture. Like this wagon, they’re given to thoughts of feeling lonely, worn – and, left out in the cold.

Yet, none of us are ever truly alone.

In Proverbs 18, verse 24, we read that God is a friend who is closer than a brother. Further, God promises Believers in Hebrews 13, verse 5, that He will never leave them.

These promises are great foundational truths of the Gospel. God promises them to each person who has accepted His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.

Friend, I may not know what you are facing, but God does. In fact, He wants to carry you safely through that experience. All you need to do, is place your trust in Him – leaning into the loving arms of the Savior.

That old wagon serves as a fascinating focal point. But, our lives don’t have to share its misfortune.

Have a great day!🙂

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Winter Solitude

I took this photograph on a January afternoon. The bare trees and faded paint on the barn add a sense of gloom to the winter scene.

As seen in the photo, the farm commands a scenic view of the valley below. One can imagine the work found here – perhaps made more difficult by the unique challenges of hillside farming.

Looking at this photo, there’s also a sense of solitude, as well. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are told that it’s good for a person to find enjoyment in their labor.

There’s a certain beauty found in the quietness of winter. Perhaps, this farm is a reminder that it’s in this season where we may know God’s gift of rest.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Heart-Shaped Pancakes

On Valentine’s Day, many people exchange cards and give heart-shaped candies, chocolates and other gifts that offer sweet expressions of love.  A little angel, a Cherub named Cupid, is said to be the instigator of much of this emotional bliss – as his arrows are said to make people fall in love with one another.

While it wasn’t candy or chocolates, my wife made heart-shaped pancakes for our Valentine’s Day breakfast.  Covered with butter and maple syrup, they made for a very delicious treat.  That meal is just one of the countless examples of love that my wife shows towards me and our son – on a daily basis.

However, there’s so much more to Valentine’s Day than sweet foods and little angelic beings.

There are many legends surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day.  Several of them include different Priests, named “Valentine”.  In many of these stories, these men died as they promoted the ideals of love and marriage.

Think about it!  They gave their lives as they attempted to help others find love.  Their example mirrored another man who gave the greatest gift – His life, for the love of others.  Jesus came to earth to give His life as a living sacrifice.  He chose to die for all of humanity.  It’s an ultimate expression of that love to allow us to have the choice whether or not to accept His great gift.

We live in a world where love is often shown with cards, sweet treats and hundreds of other gifts and trinkets.  In addition, Hollywood wants us to think that love is centered around candle-lit dinners and romance.

Yet, true love is much more.  It is sacrificial giving and forgiveness.  Love is honoring, protecting and looking out for another.  In the end, real love isn’t something that’s quickly discarded and forgotten.  Rather, it’s sacrificial giving and serving – putting others ahead of ourselves.

On this Valentine’s Day, consider the cost of real love.  Know that you’re worth it – an empty grave and a risen Savior proves that.  Now, it’s up to us to show His love to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails…”  –  1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Some Real Grit

Every season offers its own unique challenges and opportunities.  Driving truck in a largely rural area with hilly terrain, winter is by far the most challenging time – especially when it comes to backroads and getting in and out of driveways.  During this season, my truck has the opportunity to become a giant sled – taking me for rides to places where I don’t want to go!  So, being able to see a cleared or treated road is always a welcome sight.

I took this picture not too long ago.  It was on a backroad near where my grandparents once lived.  The terrain, mixed with the surrounding scenery stuck out as being “photo-worthy”.  Unfortunately, the grit made the picture – well, sort of dirty and unsightly!

The sight of that stone and salt combination adds another thought.  It allows an otherwise, snow-covered, icy road to become passable.

Grit isn’t just used to describe a stone mixture that’s reserved for roads or industrial applications.  It’s also a quality used to describe the courage, perseverance and passion that’s revealed in some people as they face challenging circumstances.

When I think of people with grit, images of Bible characters, pioneers, homesteaders and other historical figures toughened by life experiences quickly come to mind.  My thoughts also wander to stories that were told about my grandparents and other family members who had to deal with various, difficult challenges.

Yet, grit isn’t just about stone, or the people who lived before you and me.  It can also describe a passion and determination that God has endowed each one of us with.  Grit may be manifested in some people in extraordinary ways.  However, grit is most often lived out in our daily living and interactions with others.  It shows up in the kindness that we treat others with, and the humility that guides our interactions with them.  Further, that quality is lived out in the integrity that should guide and govern every facet of our lives.  Grit isn’t just courage to overcome, but a passion to do what is right – every time!

While that stone mixture may soil the look of a beautiful winter scene, it offers us a powerful reminder. That grit reminds me of our dependence on the Creator, and the ways that He uses to guide us and others safely home.

Have a great day!

(First published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Reminder of Hope

Hidden on a township road is this scene that I’ve enjoyed driving past for years. The trees, stream and foliage here offer unique views each season – such as with the snow and icicles on a cold winter morning.

As the temperature was hovering near freezing, water was still flowing in the stream.

Many often associate winter with death or sleep. As many of the trees would attest, the idea of rest may be fairly accurate.

Yet, besides the water, there are a couple of pine trees in the photo that still show their color. Since pines never lose their colors due to seasonal changes, they are often viewed as a symbol of life.

For this reason, evergreens often are seen as a representation for the life of Christ, such as at Christmastime. It is through Him, that all things are made new.

In each season, this location allows us to witness different views of the Creator’s goodness. But perhaps, during the winter months, we’re reminded that He is the reason why we have hope.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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