Cold Chill

The house is uncomfortably cool this frosty morning. Night time temps dropping down into the 14* range the past two nights has served to put a heavy chill in the air. The folks up in the North East are seeing deeper drops in their weather coupled with snow. To them 14* lows would probably been welcomed. Just a physical reminder that we are still in the heart of winter. A season generally to be spent in less activity, a time set aside for rest, renewal of energies & restoration from the busy season preceding and following this quieter time of the year. Especially true for those living on a farm life where all the crops are in, new livestock births are yet to be, outside chores are fewer than in other seasons. Every thing; animals, plants and man mindful of the coming Spring and the flourishes of activity and growth that it brings.

Applicable to every person who walks this earth, but this is often not the case for most of mankind. This season set aside for quiet pursuits for the most part goes by with hardly a notice. Except for a complaint here and there about the weather. Each day blurs into the next in a repetitive activity that varies very little. When society lost it's connection with the land, turning from being "farmers" to industrial workers, something important slipped from our view. . . . . . . mindfulness of the seasons and our need for them.

God gave mankind a charge in the "garden" to see over it, use it, enjoy it and I believe to learn from it. Throughout history man has been seen running away from the very thing he was called to do. With each mechanical invention we have lost a piece of what it means to be connected to something bigger than the labor involved. Now very few people get their hands dirty, much less get satisfaction from it. A missed opportunity to be in touch with the rich blessings available in being in step with the seasons and the One who created them. The worst part is they don't even realize what they have lost. I believe that we, each one is born with the capacity to not only understand but to relate to this basic concept. I am more at peace within my person with each step I take towards nurturing that which God placed within me. I have lots to learn as it is not generally a concept handed down through lifestyle teaching any more. There are always exceptions to the rule and I hope to be gleaming from the experiences of others.

The simplistic acts of growing crops, raising livestock, noticing weather details and seasonally changes, will lead to a greater dependency on God I believe. There is no way around it, for our success or failure hinges on His active involvement. A grateful spirit is born out of a dependency on someone else to provide what you can not supply. I am looking forward with anticipation for the day we can set up our farm in the rural countryside. Away from the distractions of city life, the noise, traffic and the hustle bustle of the always busy, but ultimately getting less in return for the effort. Not that we haven't enjoyed some of the benefits of urban gardening already. Having a small garden, fruiting vines, bushes & trees, raising a few chickens, harvesting honey, growing flowers for beauty and feeding the birds of land and water for pleasure have ALL served as a learning ground for us. I only wish I could convince others of the benefits of doing something likewise. I wonder how many dinning rooms across America houses a box of baby chicks in them? Much less in our county, like ours does. They bring a wonder to the eyes at the miracle of growth and a melodious music as we listen to their song of life. Having them there feels as natural to me as the warm wrap around my shoulders this morning.

Which is a real need as we are without the added heat from our fireplace gas logs. The fire from 2 days ago removed that convenience from us. Dependent on a flip of a button, has left us without the necessary tools to return to the "old" ways of heating a home ~ wood. Which is not in short supply around here. Being right outside our doors standing tall and also stacked in neat little rows out back. We are learning a lesson first hand about relying on something that may be a quicker way to heat but may not be the best choice. I am sure there are many more lessons similar to be learned "down on the farm".

I want to walk side by side with the Creator of the garden, this side of heaven and beyond. What sweet fellowship to be anticipated, experienced and remembered.

Deborah