Farmer Dan

Today, my husband made a decision -- he was finally going to build new nesting boxes for the hens. We were having to wash the eggs, due to too many hens laying in the same spot, and we prefer not to wash the protective coating off until we are ready to use them. So, out to the barn. . .

When I first met Danny, we were both 18 and just out of high school. He was already taking a summer college course to get a head start on his engineering degree, and I went to work for the Christian company in Indianapolis where he was working for the summer, so we met. His family owned a small farm and raised their own cows (beef and dairy), pigs, chickens, acre-sized garden, and I was so craving this lifestyle. He also worked for a farmer friend on Saturdays. I thought this would be our life.

As he progressed further and further into his engineering degree, and then into his master's and doctorate in Christian education, our life took a different direction. Being in "ministry", we had absolutely no money to buy land, and life was full of raising four wonderful children in a small Christian school. God had other plans, eventually . . .

When the Lord led us back to engineering, and we were able to start putting money in the bank after debt-retirement, our current property came available at a very good price. He has blessed us with 33 acres, a profitable grapefruit grove, 9 cows, 31 chickens, and a wonderful country home, with grandchildren nearby. Still, Danny's engineering office upstairs beckons for most daylight hours.

But today was different. He diligently gathered up scraps of building supplies from around the property (some of it our own lumber from trees felled by hurricanes) and vigorously began planning and constructing -- he is an engineer, after all! He loved it -- he is zonked out from good, physical work as we speak. And I loved it -- granddaughters 9 yo Markie and 5 yo Rosie and I handed him things, ran errands, held lumber --absolutely basking in the wonderful Florida-winter sunshine, while enjoying watching hawks and sandhill cranes. The antics of the chickens and the somber mood of the Brangus added to the agrarian moment. It was such a good day, and so good for Danny to be able to get his nose out of the drawing board!

It takes me back decades to see him working on the land and gives me such a feeling of gratitude and peace. Thank you, Lord. You know the desires of our hearts.