The Farmers' Rhythm

 I'm not sure how city people know it's harvest season... perhaps the long lines at Starbucks, indicating a communal desire for pumpkin lattes? 😉 

But in the country we watch the farmers' rhythm...

Slowly and methodically they comb through the fields, their machinery raising a humming sound that can be easily heard from the house.

Each season has its own rhythm, of course, and I've found it to be strangely comforting watching this reliable cadence year after year, as if it's embedded itself inside my psyche. 

"Who can deny the power of city or country life to mold us in certain directions, to shape our personalities?" ~ Douglas Jones, Angels in the Architecture

It has certainly shaped mine. 

I recently heard a pastor ask his congregation to consider for moment what it has taken for God to maintain His creation - day after day, month after month, season after season, year after year - for thousands of years without fail. This is truly a remarkable thought to ponder.

"Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease." (Gen. 8:22)

This is always my view in the early morning hours as I read and pray and watch the changing colors sweep over the sky.

The deep silence this morning ritual offers is truly medicinal, because as soon as I hear the footsteps of the first riser, the house is not quiet again. Knowing I need to have my bathroom routine over by 7:00, since that's the time the girls have their turn, it seems I'm thrust rapidly into my work for the day.

Homeschooling high school has come with its unique challenges and blessings. 

Whenever I'm asked, I try to point out that the key to success with homeschooling through high school is in the foundation that was laid during the elementary years. 

Whatever habits and disciplines were cultivated then, will come out when children reach their teens.

Daily I am faced with the beautiful fruit of my labor, along with the regret of where I went wrong.

Thankfully God promises, "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places." (Isaiah 45:3a) 

Academic success never came easily for me when I was in school. A true understanding of most concepts felt to me like treasures hidden in secret, dark places. 

Not being qualified to teach is a common lament some homeschool parents express. But homeschooling is a spiritual practice for the mother to rely on God to provide the knowledge and wisdom as the family faithfully plods along. I've experienced light illuminating the next step on the path, (Psalm 119:105) and a reassuring word behind me saying, "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21) 

This school year the Lord seems to be teaching us character development through studying math.

Almost daily I am up against a resistant 14 year-old asking, "What is the point of learning this? When will I ever use this in real life?"

To which I get to hear myself respond with something along the lines of, "You're right. You may never see this exact problem again. But you will see problems in life. Math teaches you that with the right formulas and tools, you can overcome any problem. Do you have the strength of character to patiently apply what you know to work through this problem?" 

The farmers' rhythms quietly show us that slow and methodical is the way to an abundant harvest. I can trust that God will honor our feeble efforts.

Though it is imperfect, I'm already seeing that harvest.

~ Courtney