I’ve come to understand that life can be viewed through different lenses. Depends on your personality, gender, experiences, upbringing and so on. I’ve recently been seeing life through a whole new lens – farm life!

Growing up, I lived in a small town, like under 600 people. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful family, close with my 5 sisters (yes, 5 and no brothers) and I lived in the same house all my life! I was small town girl living a cushy life! But by Junior High, I was ready to break away! Or as Kelly Clarkson so accurately described me in her hit song,

“I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly,
I’ll do what it takes til I touch the sky,
And I’ll make a wish, take a chance,
make a change and break away!“

“Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson

After High School, I spread my wings and tried to fly! Now I didn’t touch the sky! No, I failed miserably. Because I made too many wishes and took multiple chances on myself. That’s when God stepped in and made some changes.

God is gracious and one of my wishes did come true! God rekindled my first love, first kiss! The one I vowed in 7th grade that I would marry! So, you better believe I Locked. That. Down! (Self-high five!)

We began growing our family and establishing our own roots in the city until God called us back to the good life.

Definitely Bittersweet. Bitter leaving where we first called home, began our family, grew in our church and flourished amazing friendships. Yet, Sweet to be closer to family, raise our children on the farm that has been in the family for over 100 years and another chance to spread our wings and see where God would take us!

It’s been an adjustment, but I have a new found respect for the hard work that farmers put in, day in and day out. An admiration for sacrifices made when balancing family AND farm life, especially when they coincide. And an understanding of the beauty and audacity that comes with the livelihood of farm life!

It’s not always easy, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else!

During my adventures, I faced trials and doubted at times, but I can see now so clearly God’s plans unraveling. God brought me back to my roots! He promised me a hope and a future beyond my wildest dreams! And I am fortunate to be living that out right now, on our family farm!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

*CHALLENGE: Share YOUR biggest challenge where you currently reside? No matter the struggle, have you seen God’s plans to prosper you and NOT harm you come into play? Hang tight if it’s tough – God’s got a plan for you!

Lord, You are a God of mystery! We may not know what you have planned for us today, tomorrow or our remaining days on this earth, but God You have given us a hope and a future – one that will NEVER end! And we thank you for that! Thank you for redirecting our silly plans that we think are perfect and graciously veering us in the right direction! May we never lose sight of Your love for us and Your mighty hand always at work in us. We love you and pray this in Your Name, Amen.