The wind, soft and spring-warm, blew across the open black fields. Cooler breezes refreshed the warm aftermath of the late afternoon. At long last, the heavy snows of winter were gone.
Winter folks still wearing warm clothing, exploded into the sunshine. Though it seemed like only yesterday we were finishing up the harvest, fields had turned black and showed signs of early planting. Farmers hurried, some still chopping stalks from fall work.
As a farm wife I, too, feel the change of season. The air is fresh and warm. Still there are blocks of cold rushing air. People weary and tired of stale winter air in their homes, look for work in the garden or take longer walks. Warm weather is difficult on my body, so I join slow pacers around the block. Early spring house cleaners and happy gardeners thrill in the quick changes of air.
We linger in the out-of-doors, basking in the changes of heat and brisk cool winds. It is this drama which typically welcomes the seasonal diversity of weather, work and new beginnings. It is the changing season, that I begin looking for my first yields.
The rhubarb was planted three years ago, when I left our farm. The asparagus is too spindly to harvest and will need some more years to mature. The peonies are struggling through the debris from last summer. I can hardly wait. In the meantime I enjoy the farmers markets here in Blue Earth.
Our dog, Gracie, loves the new outdoors. All winter long she hurried her trips outside only to return to the warmth of the kitchen. With the cool air warming, she revels in the outside adventures. "Oh, that fresh air!" With the weather changes, she stands her fluffy little 14 pounds and turns with a defiant look to sniff the wind. A cool breeze!
"The Lord will indeed give what is good. Our land will once again yield its harvest. As long as the world exists there will be a time for planting and a time for harvest. There will always be cold and heat, summer and winter and day and night." Genesis: 8:22.
. What are some harvests of your life? Larry, my first husband, and I looked into adoption. It took eight years to finally complete adoption (harvest). Our children are now on their own. Sometimes it was anxious waiting, but what a gift.
. What was a special harvest time for you? What seeds do you plant in peoples' lives? What are the seeds? (Kindness, patience, long suffering.)
. Which season is your favorite? Fall is mine. I like the colors; also planting new plants for spring.
. Which season is the most work? Fall and spring; house cleaning for me.
. How do these questions relate to your family? Are they worth the planting, sowing and harvesting? What did it cost you to raise your family? In time, energy and relationships?
...
Sue Peterson has been writing "The Yield" column since 1978 and has been a staple of The Land. She may be reached at sustan2@bevcomm.net or 1010 East 5th St., Blue Earth, MN 56013.
Matthew 6; Psalm 37:5-7
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Sue Peterson
Discussion
The Yield: Spring brings with it change of season, anticipation
Originally published in the May 14, 2010, print edition.
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The Yield: You would do well to see the good in your life
"I don't feel so good." I tossed on my bed, tangled in my sheets. I remembered my Mom's voice. "Well, Susan. You don't feel so well."
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The Yield: Spring brings with it change of season, anticipation
The wind, soft and spring-warm, blew across the open black fields. Cooler breezes refreshed the warm aftermath of the late afternoon. At long last, the heavy snows of winter were gone.
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The Yield: Holy Ghost's temple under assault ... from salt
All my life I've engaged in the proud German ethics of hard work. This gray winter, the years of pressure finally caught up with me.
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The Yield: Appreciating the layered richness of life’s journey
It was a glorious day. Hoar frost had hung cold, heavy, snowy and crystallized decorations on the trees. The weather man promised we would have a lovely day.
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The Yield: All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin
While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22 KJV
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The Yield: Rejoicing in the snow, despite foiled family plans
The snow was very wet and heavy. My back began to ache. I hoped Stan was doing OK. I watched him driving the lawn tractor, which had been outfitted with a snow thrower. He was white from head to foot. The cold caused his face to get very red.
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In the autumn of life, an urgency to complete life’s goals
Stan and I spent autumn days finalizing pre-winter chores. The trees, still and quiet, hung onto their leaves.
Strong winds and heavy rain drove the leaves from the uplifted limbs of the giant oaks and walnut trees. The sad, dreary, bleak days meant winter was coming. -
The Yield: We may not know the yield, but what wonderful seed
When I was a child, I dreamed of being a missionary, nurse or teacher. Stan had similar aspirations, and it seems that at this time in our lives The Lord has given us an answer we were hoping for.
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The Yield: Finding peace, warm thoughts on a cold autumn day
The new windows in Stan’s workshop kept out the cold winds of an early October storm. It was whistling to get in our snug and warm workshop. I sensed a childish whim to run out and play in the snow.
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The Yield: Connecting with devoted readers at book signings
As we pulled our trailer with the 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile across the stubble field to the black top road we reminisced about all the people who came to greet us, and have their book signed.
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