Tag Archive for: Farms

Reflecting on Change

We often take things for granted. People will always be around. Places will never change. It’s as if you and I expect that things will always remain the same.

Yet, transitions are a part of life. In fact, it’s been said that the only constant in life is change.

Take this scene. I was leaving a delivery and was met by the view that’s seen here.

Living in this region for my entire life – more than forty years, I’ve often enjoyed scenes like this. Yet, sometimes they seem to become ordinary as I go from one thing to the next.

The small barn was a central part of some farm at one time. Animals were cared for, crops stored and many conversations were had inside the walls of that old structure.

One can imagine the crops that were raised on those rolling hills. Or, perhaps the dairy cattle in a neighboring pasture bring to mind the countless animals that have grazed in those meadows over the years.

A little church sits out of view to the right of the scene. One can imagine the voices of children playing outside. If you stop long enough, it may almost seem possible to hear hymns coming from that chapel.

If you reflect just a little further, it’s hard to imagine that this area was largely forested just over a couple hundred years ago. This land, once home to the Lenape Delaware, was part of America’s original “western frontier.”

Considering all of this, it’s especially easy to see how often we take the Creator for granted. Just as this scene looks like a patchwork quilt, God is busy sewing every part of our lives together.

In this world that constantly encourages movement, please take a few minutes to stop and reflect. You will likely find a sense of peace as you feel His encouragement.

Have a great day!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good…” – Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

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

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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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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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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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A Wagon, Corn Cribs and Nostalgia

There’s something about old farm scenes that often capture our attention.  Take this box wagon parked in a shed between two corn cribs.  We can visualize the sweat, toil and long hours that were involved in filling those bins with ear corn. 

Yet, there’s something about this photograph that also gives a sense of peace, quiet and solitude.  It brings backs a sense of nostalgia.  In fact, this picture reminds me of a Currier & Ives painting or a scene from a Hallmark movie.

This picture is a contrast to what most of us know today.  We’re used to the hustle and bustle of modern life, as opposed to being forced to travel at the pace of a team of horses – like the ones that would have been used to pull this wagon.  The picture also reminds us of the time and labor once involved in filling those cribs – especially when we consider how modern equipment handles much larger harvests in the same period of time. 

When I see this photograph, it also reminds me of the effort of many hands, often involving the whole family to harvest a crop.  There’s a sense of unity when we think about the relationships that were built as parents and children worked together. 

Seeing this picture is a reminder that we often need to slow down.  Great relationships and good work ethics are both realized when we take our time and invest in them. 

I’m also reminded of the simplicity and beauty of faith.  It’s in these simple illustrations when I sometimes see some of God’s greatest gifts in a new light.   

Let me encourage you to go for a drive in the country.  You never know what you may find. 

Have a great day!  🙂

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

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