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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?
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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
