Time for an update on some random topics.
The menfolk on the farm have planted about 90% of all the fields. It was a slow start to planting in our area as the rain and cold weather continued well into May. At the end of May and beginning of June, we had dry warm weather which helped all farmers with their fieldwork. All glory goes to God for His ever presence in the stressful days of the spring season on farms!
On June 1, I spotted the first hummingbird at my feeders. I’m not sure why those little birds bring so much joy for viewing, but they do. My siblings and I share our hummingbird stories as we all feed and observe these marvelous creatures which God created.
On June 8, I looked out the bathroom window before retiring to slumber and much to my joy I saw a little light here and a little light there. Yes, the lightning bugs are sporting their lights as the official start of summer arrives soon. Lightning bugs bring back so many childhood memories of catching and releasing them which my children and grandchildren copy.
On June 6, our church held a memorial service for a man who attended for years. Due to health issues, he had not been able to attend services, however he and his wife kept in touch. Many people came from far and wide to attend this service as the deceased knew everyone. He could have visited the mountains of a foreign country and there would be someone that he knew. That was his personality and many came to honor him.
I was assigned the task of the meal after the service. It was an easy one with sandwiches, salads, baked beans, chips and desserts. Many people donated food for this event, making my job even easier. What I didn’t expect was the people I would meet!
A gentleman approached me with the line, “Hi, I’m Andrew H.” I knew instantly who this person was. He attended our church as a boy and youth. He now lives in Indiana near his wife’s family. They have two girls.
Standing with this family was another gentleman. After exchanging conversation with Andrew, I asked the other man’s name. It was Nick, his brother. With a bit of shock, I greeted him with a hug. This now tall, bearded man was once in my toddler Sunday school class back in the early 80s. He was one of the few kids in that age group which caused the Christian education elder to ask me to teach. Ed and I had just moved to Michigan when Ed was discharged from the Navy. We settled back on the family farm and attended the local church. I accepted this teaching position which lasted for over 30 years. Many children passed through my Sunday school doorway. I have prayed for them whenever God brought them to mind. At this point in time, I was face-to-face with one of those in the first class. The beard and a tinge of grey hair kind of threw me. How did this once-toddler grow so old? I recovered from the initial shock and enjoyed a lovely conversation with these two brothers and their friend (son of the deceased). I discovered where they all live, what they do for a living and what their families enjoy. It was so much fun even though the event was a memorial service.
Looking over the events of the past two weeks, I see the blessings of God’s wonderful creation right in my area. Then I also witness the joy of attending a fellow believer’s memorial service. Yes, the man will be missed, but we all know where he is spending his eternity. That brings comfort while we grieve his absence from us.
I urge you to look for God’s blessings in your life. It comes in all shapes and sizes and forms. But they are there, if you look!
Gail loves the Lord most of all. She delights in her calling to be a wife to Ed Malick and a mother to seven children and grandmother of 19. Ed is the sixth generation on the homestead family farm in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan.
Seeds of Hope
A little boy was happily swimming in a clear lake on a beautiful day, enjoying the cool water beneath a bright blue sky. Suddenly he started to sink. He went under once, twice and just as panic set in, he felt the strong arms of a man wrap around him. The stranger carried him safely to shore. When they arrived on shore, the little boy said to the man, “Thank you, sir, for saving my life.” “You’re welcome, son,” said the man. “But see to it that you are worth saving!”
The Lord not only saves those who call upon Him, but He puts His strong arms around us and protects us as we face the dangers of life. There are times when doubt distracts us and fears threaten us. There are days when worries overwhelm us and cares cripple us. Yet, when we turn to the Lord and trust Him, His grace is sufficient and His mercy enduring. He is always ready to deliver us from the disasters that would destroy us.
But it is not enough to say “thank you” and continue living as before. When we reach out to those in need, offer kindness to the hurting and share the hope we have received, we honor the One who pulled us from the depths.
Our rescued lives become a living thank you poured out in compassion, faithfulness and daily obedience.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, may we show You our gratitude by reaching out to others to bring them Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Today’s Scripture: But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Romans 5:1-11
This article originally appeared on Farmers Advance: Legacy and lightning bugs: Seeing God’s light in every season
Reporting by Gail Malick, Farmers’ Advance / Farmers Advance
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gail Malick, Farmers' Advance | USA TODAY Network
