Oat sheaves are a common sight on many Amish farms in east-central Ohio during the middle of summer. Commonly used as a source of horse feed, the cut oats are bundled and stacked in the fields to dry. After a few days, they will be hauled off to a barn where they will be run through a thrashing machine. From there, the oats will be separated from the chaff – which may be baled into straw for livestock bedding.

While oats are grown in many countries, perhaps it’s fitting that they’re still grown here. For just over an hour away by highway in Ravenna, Ohio, the Quaker Oats Company once milled oats. Known by its logo consisting of a man in simple, plain clothing, Quaker took a crop that was largely used as livestock feed and promoted it as a healthy, wholesome breakfast cereal.

In a world that seems to be constantly changing, something as traditional as oats and real horsepower helps to remind us of our roots. In fact, a simple crop can teach us lessons for life.

For one thing, we usually harvest what we sow. If we plant good seed, barring no drought or other natural disaster happens, we will often get a healthy crop. Planting, caring for and harvesting a crop takes patience and work on our part. Ripe crops don’t just happen!

We can also relate to this field. Just as the Creator provided the right conditions for the oats to grow, He also provides what you and I need to be the people whom we’re meant to be.

Like every oat seed, each person has great potential locked inside. Let’s be careful to allow God to cultivate our lives and relationships in ways that benefit everyone we meet.

Have a great day! 😀