Tag Archive for: Compassion

Combining Oats

It’s a scene that looks like it could have taken place nearly seventy years ago. However, the year is 2021 and an Amish farmer is using a team of horses with a pull-type combine.

Today, most of us are used to seeing farmers operating modern self-powered combines, equipped with the latest, most-advanced technology. Yet, there are those who use older pieces of equipment.

This farmer is working only a few miles from where I live. Several of his neighbors still cut their oat fields using older binders – and then have to go back and make shocks. Likewise, some English (non-Amish) farmers with small farms cut wheat by using old pull-type combines ran behind tractors.

These oats will be used as livestock feed during the coming winter. The chaff will most likely be raked and baled as straw for animal bedding.

As I look at this picture, I’m reminded that we often reap what we sow. Crops grown in good conditions will often produce a good yield. A lot of work is involved including planting, cultivating and harvesting.

Seeing this horse-drawn combine may cause us to ask what we’re growing. Do our lives yield kindness, generosity and concern for others?

Let’s work at producing crops that reveal our care for others.

Have a great day! 😀

“A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7b (NIV)

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

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Easter – Jesus and Others

We don’t always see trials, problems or people as blessings. Instead, they’re often viewed as obstacles, inconveniences and irritations to our plans.

What if Jesus had seen us in the same way? After all, He had to leave Heaven to take on our dirt, guilt and shame.

He could have seen us as obstacles, nuisances and frustrations that had to be dealt with.

Yet, Jesus saw each of us with compassion and love – chosen ones who His Father had created, and He was willing to die for.

Easter is a time to remember Jesus’ love for us. It’s also a reminder that life isn’t about you and me, but all about Him.

Let His love be a reminder of how we should treat and view others.

Have a great day!

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

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Not Just Another Farm

At first glance, it appears to be just another Amish-owned property. In many ways, it looks like one of the thousands of old farms in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio.

Perhaps, there’s more to this place than what readily appears. As someone who loves history, this farm is something of interest.

Since I was a young boy, I’ve heard the story that this place was once a station on the Underground Railroad. As men, women and children of African heritage escaped the cruel bondage of slavery in the south, homes like this became stopovers for them as they made their ways to safe places in the northern states and Canada.

While this particular location hasn’t been confirmed, it’s very probable since the escape network had other stops in the region. Along the route, these places provided food, lodging and protection to these refugees seeking a better life. The homes along the way were a means for families to show compassion and the love of Christ to those in need.

While a memory of America’s past, this farm is a reminder that we all need help. It’s also helps to underscore the simple truth that God often uses ordinary people to carry out many of His extraordinary blessings and purposes.

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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