Monday, December 9, 2013

Fighting Discouragement With A Well Worn Path

Discouragement.
Do you ever struggle?
It creeps in uninvited.
It is different than depression. 
In some ways worse. 
It is the tool the enemy uses when he can find no other way. 
Our Cedric has descended into the pit of discouragement.
It is painful to watch. 
And he's right.
So much is, oh so wrong. 



So many changes for one so young. 
As adults we are struggling; how in the face of youth do you take on these monumental burdens? 
Cedric has a desire to work this farm; it runs deep through his veins.


He wants to be efficient and thrive. 
His personality different from his fathers. 
He is quick in his movements, processes information verbally and he wants thing done now. 
The youth in him still needing molding and shaping. 
Yet, so much like his father.
He is tender and sensitive, creative, and has a stubborness that will help him thrive.


Yet, this discouragement is understandable. There is a job that needs to be done. 
The manure pit needs to be emptied.
As the winter comes, much precipitation will be added to the pit and the threat of overflow in the Spring, will be imminent. Thus the need for spreading this fall; before December 15. 
Cedric had planned to spread over the Thanksgiving break. Rising before dawn each day to begin the work. Much to his dismay each piece of equipment failed. First, the PTO for the tractor, that we have spent thousands of dollars to repair this year, stopped working. Then the seals on the manure tank went. And so the repairs began. But even those had their own issues. 
There have been offers of tractors and help, but without a manure tank, we're stuck. 
We could hire someone, but that was not in the budget, nor was the extent of the loss of feed due to multiple flooding this year. 
So do you see where he might be discouraged. Lose heart. 
His brother  taken so quickly in the dark of night. 


And now the discouragement has crept in. 
This farming way can be a tricky thing. 
I try to tell him to be careful, because there are things that are very right. 
The milking machines work and we are still able to ship milk. 
We have a roof over our heads and because of generous people, we have food on our table. 
But when you're discouraged those things don't help. 
Really, nothing does. 
Except Jesus. 
This whole world can fall apart in front of you, and unless you have Jesus, you're going to be empty and discouraged which will lead to despair. 
Without hope, we despair. 
The hope comes from that well worn path to the cross each day. 

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, 
they will walk and not be faint.


It's a new day on the farm. 
The wind is biting and snow is in the air. 
It will further set in the discouragement.
But it is the farming way. Each day is a blessing. 
Each day has trouble of it's own. 
And a farmer digs deep down each day to work through the troubles presented for the day. 
The farmer finds the good. 
His well worn path will rub off on his son. 

May your day begin with the well worn path to the cross.
And may the joy of the Advent Season; the hope of Nations be your today. 


So here I am, What's left of me 
Where glory meets my suffering 


10 comments:

  1. This made me think of the Berenstain Bears Count Their Blessings. I feel like you should write children's books. You have such beautiful messages and way of writing.

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    1. Thanks Katie. The Holy Spirit is just ministering to my aching heart in this way. Thinking of you and your decisions.

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  2. Have you read the book "Choosing to see"? It is written by Steven Curtis Chapman's wife after they lost their daughter. I am reading it now. I understand it is a very good book.

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    1. I have read it. I actually included it in a post I wrote. Back in Septmeber. http://farmingoncilleyhill.blogspot.com/2013/09/i-remember-first-time-i-heard-this-song.html
      Thank you for stopping by.

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  3. Praying for Cedric and discouragement. for 5 years I've watched my children mourn the loss of their sister. Being a woman my sons grief I don't totally understand Jesus does .Psalm 107:6

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    1. It is hard when we are mourning and then to try to help our children through this is a task only through the grace of God. Thank you for the Psalm. Jesus is the only way through this life. Thank you for reaching out. You and your family are in our prayers. The loss of a child binds us all together in a club we didn't ask to join. But one that God is moving through healing and showing grace. . .

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  4. You are so strong and kind, I see Cedriic shares those qualities.

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    1. Thank you dear friend. Cedric is a sensitive soul.

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  5. Not being from your area and having limited farming experience, I wonder why there is no spreading of manure after the 15th. My heart, love, and prayers go out to you and your family each day.

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    1. Hi, that is a great question. Due to environmental run off we have a ban on spreading manure from Dec 15- April 1. This is to help with run off from soils. It's a really good law. Usually we are finished by now. But for some reason the LORD has us to edge in every area of our life. . . Thank you for your prayers. We need them, we feel them. .. and we are humbled by the grace.

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