Tag Archive for: Rural

Journey Down a Dirt Road

I came across this picture that I had taken some time ago. Many thoughts about dirt roads and old barns came to mind as I looked at the photo. 

As I continued to look at this scene, thoughts of work came to mind. After all, dirt roads and old barns seem to bring up memories of hard, manual labor – you know, an honest day’s work. 

Today, we live in a world that seems to grow more hectic by the minute. The technology that was supposed to make our lives easier has often just made us busier. We’re in a hurry to get places, but we don’t take the time to enjoy the ride. This is many of our lives. But, is that what life is really about? A constant rat race from birth to death? 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s joy in the journey – not just at the destination. Along the way, we’ll experience bumps and bruises – and, you and I will hit some pretty big potholes. Yet, like a great meal that’s been left to simmer, the best things in life are often found on the roads that are least traveled. 

Old barns, houses and fences tell their own stories of love, laughter, trials and hard work – the kind of life that leaves a person exhausted and yet contented. These feelings are robbed from us when we’re too busy to slow down. 

Pictures like this remind me that the best things in life often occur when we take our time. Not only do we make fewer mistakes, but we may experience and enjoy what really matters – time with God and loved ones. 

So, let me urge you to find a dirt road. Slow down and see where it may lead. You may be surprised to find the destination to be a place that draws you closer to your Creator and loved ones. 

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Autumn Backroad Adventures

My wife and I both love autumn. One of our favorite seasonal activities is to take drives to see the fall colors. Around every turn and over each hill are new views to enjoy.

These backroad adventures allow us to slow down – if no one is following. It’s here when we are given a chance to witness the brilliant colors and handiwork of the Master Creator.

We live in a world that seems to be constantly on the go. Yet, these drives to enjoy the autumn splendor give us another chance to pause and see that the most important things in life are our relationships with God and the people who He brings into our lives.

Each season offers new opportunities to be enjoyed. Yet, it’s in those drives to see the vibrant, unique color palettes that we find a sense of thankfulness and rest.

Have a great day!

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Simpler Times

Stone fences are often associated with the New England states and rural Europe. Across much of the Midwest, where I’m from, fences made from boards or barbed wire are more common.

Likewise, covered bridges are often considered to be a thing of the past. While they can still be occasionally found, most of these structures are either restored or built to look old.

This picturesque Midwestern farm drive offers a glimpse into another time. With a covered bridge, and a stone fence lining part of its length, one feels like they’re traveling down “Memory Lane”.

Looking at this scene, it calls back to a time that seems simpler. Small farms, families working together, neighbors helping each other and communities coming together to worship are hallmarks of that era.

Today, we are often stressed out in our hustle and bustle. We lose more than we gain, as we miss out on time with God, family and friends.

This picture is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. Let’s make sure that we’re investing our time in the people who truly matter in our lives.

Have a great day!😀

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

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A Farm’s Covered Bridge

 

This little covered bridge spans a small stream on a farm drive. I’ve driven by it hundreds of times – and have passed through it on a few occasions, as well.

Sitting in the trees, the small structure is partially obscured by the foliage during the warm months of the year.  I think that those trees and leaves offer an added sense of tranquility to the scene.

Covered bridges offer a nostalgic, timeless glimpse back to days long ago.  They allow us to remember times that, compared to now, don’t seem to have been so hectic and hurried.

I love scenes like this because they force me to slow down.  An image like this has the ability to help me to reflect on the people and things that are truly important in life.

A bridge also has another important function.  It spans a body of water or other barrier – connecting two pieces of land or a couple of buildings that are separated from one another.  These links allow the flow of people, materials or information to be passed with little or no hindrance.

Thinking about this covered bridge, I’ve been thinking how often barriers are formed between us and other people.  We’re separate individuals, who have our own identities, ideas and values.  Yet, there are common bonds that link us together – such as our heritage, ancestry, beliefs and views.

Deep down, each person wants to feel appreciated and linked to others.  In fact, it’s the central theme of the most widely-distributed book of all times:  the Bible.  Christ serves as a bridge – offering a redemptive connection between God and people.

While not as common as they once were, covered bridges offer a glimpse into the past.  They also allow us to reach places and people who would otherwise be inaccessible.

Have a great day!

😀

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

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Unity Bales

I made a delivery to a local farm when I saw these hay bales in red, white and blue netting. While I’m used to brown and green twine, this was new to me!

Baling gives farmers an efficient way to store and handle hay. However, when you cut bales loose, it can make a great mess – allowing stalks, leaves and dust to freely go in every direction.

When I saw these bales, I saw the colors that are incorporated into America’s flag. Like loose hay, each person is a different, unique individual. Yet, joined together, each man, woman and child allows their various gifts and personalities to come together for a common good.

This idea of national unity isn’t new to the United States. It’s been practiced by many nations throughout history. In fact, this principle has Biblical roots.

We live in a day when many people want to separate and pull us apart like loose hay. It’s only when you and I join together that we become better at handling the challenges that lie before us.

Have a great day!😀

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

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The Hidden Ridge Farm

I’ve driven by the farm where this barn is located for years. In fact, it was only about a mile from where I was raised.

Yet, it’s only been in the past two or three years, that I’ve gotten to see the historic building. This barn sits about a quarter mile from the road. To get to it, one must follow a lane uphill, through woods to get to the ridge where the farm is located.

How often do we go by places without really seeing them? In fact, it’s probably safe to say that we do the same thing with people. We pass by others without getting to know them.

While I’d never encourage anyone to trespass, I believe that we must take time to get to know the people around us. It’s through these opportunities that we learn and grow as we invest in one another.

Have a great day!😀

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

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The Tranquility of an Old Dirt Road

A few miles from here, sits a farm that my wife and I like to drive by.  The house, barn and outbuildings are separated from the gravel road by a pasture with a small creek winding through it.  With some beef cattle or sheep often grazing there, it’s a tranquil setting where we often appreciate slowing down to enjoy the view.

When I see this farm, I’m reminded of a feature in a rural magazine that I used to receive that was called “The Prettiest Place in the Country”.

This farm, I’m sure, would be a contender for that article.  Its owners have spent countless hours transforming a small farmstead into a beautiful oasis.

Each season finds the house and landscape decorated for that particular time of the year.  Beautiful flowers and landscaping highlight the fences and house during the spring and summer.  In the fall, with the colors of the surrounding trees and green of the nearby hills, the white painted farmhouse and springhouse, along with the red barn and outbuildings stand out as they add to the muted colors of autumn.

We live in a world where the ability to multi-task is often seen as something that’s considered to be virtue-like.  But, were we really created to always run at whirlwind speed?  I seriously doubt it.

In a world that seems to be increasingly marked by hustle and bustle, we need to find time to unwind – perhaps, more often than we think.  Old dirt roads, sheltered by shade trees and winding past quiet meadows and beautiful farms, are among those places that I find restful – perhaps, almost therapeutic.

Slowing down and enjoying the scenery allows us opportunities to allow our minds to wander.  A drive in the country may allow us some much-needed peaceful, restful time away with family or friends.  It’s also in these moments that we are able to enjoy the beauty of creation – and have time to enjoy fellowship with our Creator, which is the primary reason why we’ve been placed here.

Reflecting on this farm and the little roads that lead to it, I’m reminded that life isn’t just about successes or reaching milestones and destinations.  Sometimes, the real joy and success is found in the journey.

Although we can’t slow down the world around us, you and I have the ability to alter the speed of our own lives.  Let’s make the most of this time that we’ve got – and enjoy the journey.

Have a great day! 🙂

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”  –  Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

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

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An Old Barn Under a Summer Sky

I found this barn on a small dead-end road. While the structure is still in use, the paint and roof show signs that it has seen better days.

As I took the picture, I noticed how the summer sky illuminated the old building. It brought a new dimension to the scene – bringing a sense of life to the old barn.

One could almost imagine hay being brought in from the fields. Perhaps, laughter can be heard from children playing in the hay. Or, a young calf or colt is taking its first steps in the lower level.

Buildings are like people. While we often look at the outer appearance, there’s so much beauty and life laying beneath the surface. This barn, on that beautiful summer day is evidence to this.

Have a great day! 😀

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

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Just In “Case”

I made a delivery to this Amish farm. Before leaving, I had decided to get a picture of this old Case tractor. It didn’t wear the green and yellow implement colors that I love, but the unique setting had a vintage feel – like it should have been seventy or eighty years ago.

Some may wonder why a tractor would be on an Amish farm. While those farmers are often only allowed to use horses in the fields, many are able to use tractors for stationary power or to pull wagons and trailers on local roadways. In “Case” you missed it, this picture shows a belt linking the tractor to a pump that is out of sight.

Looking at this photo, I’m reminded of how many details we often don’t notice. There’s so much that we miss as we hurry through life. Perhaps though, the thing that most often suffers are our relationships with God, our families and friends.

Every generation has its own issues and trials. Yet, this tractor was built before all of our modern conveniences and distractions. It’s a testament to simpler times – and, the values that our minds fix to that era.

Have a great day! 🙂

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

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The Equipment Shed

An important building on any farm is the equipment shed. It’s the structure where machinery is stored out of the weather and often worked on.

While not as impressive as many barns or farmhouses, these sheds are still a vital part of the farm. They help to protect the family’s investment in equipment. These buildings are also a place where important conversations are held – often around tractor hoods and tires.

As I think about these buildings, I remember going with my father to a neighbor’s farm as a child. While it was fascinating to watch the hogs and cattle, I thought that it was more exciting if we went to the shed. It was always fun to climb on one of the tractors – especially if Dad was going to use it.

Looking at this picture, I wonder how many memories were made at that shed. One may imagine a child watching as his or her father worked on a piece of equipment. Or, think about the cold meals that were served and hastily eaten there as something was being repaired.

You may have a building like this on your farm – or, where you were raised. Perhaps, this picture will bring back enjoyable memories of conversations and tractor rides for you as well.

Have a great day! 🙂

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

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