The Farmer Waits

When I read the Christian Bible, I am often struck by a turn of phrase that stirs an image that rings true in my experience. "Skip like a calf" from Psalm 29 does this for me, reminding me of calves turned into lush spring pasture from a muddy barn lot: yes, they actually skip and twirl to express their delight.

The phrase from James 5:7, "the farmer waits," has been on my mind. The writer of James is highlighting and promoting patience.

Patience is one response to anxiety. It is a choice. A commendable choice.

The circumstances of this past Spring have tested the patience of those of us who do the good work necessary to keep Hawkins Family Farm going. At the top of the list are the circumstances brought by the weather, with its high winds, persistent rains, and extreme variations in temperature. This week we are planting and replanting for the season, a delay in some cases of over a month. For the harvest this year, the farmer waits.

The circumstances also include a season of major farm repairs and other expenses, including the doubling of feed costs, coupled with slower-than-hoped-for sales. For a breakthrough toward a positive cash flow, the farmer waits.

Waiting has its place, as does working. We waited for good weather and the weather of these past days has been glorious--for work and for rest. We waited to plant and sow and now the well-manured and well-watered gardens are nurturing quick seed germination and speedy growth. We waited for customers and the meat and vegetables and pizzas we have sold thus far are being received with high praise for quality.

And so we come to today, another day for the farmer to work and to wait. We'll work hard today, likely planting more peppers and sweet potatoes and cucumbers. We'll feed baby calves and laying hens and chickens and larger cattle. We'll fix stuff that is in need of repair, a never-ending need. We'll prepare to pick up chickens from the butcher tomorrow to be ready to fill orders. We'll get ready to welcome HOPE CSA clergy groups, beginning on Thursday. We'll get veggie shares ready. We'll tackle thistles and other weeds that constantly threaten to get out of hand. We'll look for ways to better market our products. At least, that's what I think will happen today.

We'll wait and see how it goes.