I’ve spent the last two days visiting my college roommate who lives in pure country no less. I’ve been learning the trade of farming through the eyes of a 7 year old and 4 year old. I’ve seen Kinze planters, fertilizers, combines, and duals (sorry about the butchering of the spelling). They aspire to be farmers just like their dad. They have tons and tons of play tractors and they “farm” on their mom’s bathroom rugs. I could literally watch them for hours and not get bored! We spent one afternoon jumping on the trampoline, walking while the kids rode their bikes, and sitting on the porch swing catching up on old times. She was talking about how simple her life was, but I could see that she had the whole world wrapped up in her family and farm.

I have never felt more at peace and relaxed here. People wave when they pass by, stop and say “hi”, you leave the front door open when you are gone, and your car is always unlocked (worry free from unwanted visitors). You feel safe, secure, loved, and you are surrounded by family. Target is no where in sight, but there’s a garden full of squash, tomatoes, okra, green beans, and wheat in your back yard waiting for the picking. Life has its own version of stresses, but it is not consumed by our economic crisis, the size of your home, and the kind of car you drive. Life is simple, life is sweet. Excess takes the back seat to family and relationships. Luke 12:15 says, “Be careful to guard yourselves against every kind of greed, because a person’s life doesn’t consist of the amount of possessions he has.” As I sit here and take inventory of my own life, I can’t help but think about what I could do without. Where do my priorities lie? Matthew 10:9-10 says, “You don’t need a lot of equipment. Travel light.” What kind of baggage are you carrying around and can some of it be let go?

Love in Christ,
Nichole