A week ago Sunday, a younger farmer in our church came up to talk farming. “Well, Brian," I said, "I supposed we won’t see you here for the next two week, huh?”
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” he replied as he shifted his eyes down in slight embarrassment. “When the ground’s right, I’m running as long and hard as I can.”
Of course, he was talking about the spring planting season that blew in with the gust of hot weather. And on Sunday, sure enough, no Brian.
While I haven’t been on a planter tractor for a few years, even my testosterone was rev’in up. People who have never farmed don’t have a clue about the “planting juices” that surge up in a farmer with spring warm up.
It’s a ‘farmer thing’. Early on, you see the sap starting to run in Maple trees. Then the juices in dormant cereal crops slowly build pressure to green up before surging into production. And a farmer has to sit, not so patiently, while watching all these things accelerate.
No wonder there’s joy – even therapeutic healing – in the roar of the tractor engine and the smokey scent of diesel fuel. Television no longer commands any attention. Politicians are forgotten. That’s therapy in itself!
Just remember, what powers up will eventually require refueling – you included. If you think you can do what you used to, think again; No matter your age, you can’t, not without risk.
Risk of mistakes multiply with the hours you spend in the field. Some are minor. Some are costly. Some are lethal. So take breaks when you need them.
Put first things first
That means making time for family even amid spring’s rush. Doing so, you lead by example – a good example. It can be as quick as a mid-morning or afternoon refreshment break, or a noon-hour picnic.
Consider it the best part of your farm benefit’s package!
And if you happen to be a spring season "widow", print this out and share it with your spouse.
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