Field of Dreams

I love watching the field crops grow. This year we’re surrounded by soybeans here at home. In the spring Jack waited (perhaps not so patiently) for just the right conditions of warmth and moisture. He planted costly seed, at the recommended depth and population ratio, ensured good soil fertility and diligently managed the weeds. I wandered the fields as weather permitted, kicking up beans now and then, looking for signs of germination, scanning the ground for evidence of the emerging crop. 

Soybeans fascinate me. They swell and little sprouts pop out one side. They curl around and then, with incredible strength and determination, push their way through the soil. A smattering of new life appears, usually where the sunshine warms the slopes and later in cooler areas. Eventually the field is more foliage than soil. At last rich green leaves burgeon into a canopy, suppressing at least some of the weeds. Dainty mauve blossoms turn into pods which fill out with beans. 

We’ve had exceptional growing conditions – long, hot days, warm nights, plentiful rain. But, as Jack always says, “It ain’t over ‘til the beans are in the bin.” Soys are susceptible to any number of threats – late frost, early frost, drought, excessive rain, weeds, aphids or hail damage. But as harvest draws closer now, farmers in our area anticipate a bumper crop.

As I write, the leaves have turned yellow and dropped for the most part. Norton romps through the field, tail wagging, hot on the scent of the deer that undoubtedly trotted through there last evening. The brittle pods shatter as he races past, spilling beans onto the ground. It saddens me a little to see the crop come to its end, and yet, harvest is the whole point.

It’s a marvellous process. Yes, the farmer has responsibilities, but it’s the Lord who makes it grow, who brings it to fruition (or not), according to his good pleasure. Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a man who scatters the seed. “He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” (Mark 4). I think of an old hymn, We plough the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land, but it is fed and watered, by God’s almighty hand.

Nurtured by his loving hand
This harvest season Jack and I mark our fortieth wedding anniversary. (I remember when 40 year anniversaries were for old people and Israelites!) Looking back on our life together is a little like watching a field crop grow. As with the bean field, the Lord planted tiny seeds in each of our hearts. He caused them to flourish – not without some challenges – but faithfully protecting us from every threat along the way. There was some effort on our part, but how exactly this love grew into a thriving family, we really don’t know. 

We do know that as the milestone draws near, blessings abound. The lines have fallen for us in pleasant places. We have family and friends, health and well-being. We have children, grandchildren and Jack’s parents to celebrate with us. And we continue to add to our number. Our youngest daughter is now engaged. Lord willing, early next year Jessica and Graham will embark on their own field of dreams – two lives blending into one marriage, ordained by God, and nurtured by his loving hand. 

Gratitude overrules any melancholy that time’s swift passage might bring. Harvest approaches, and the refrain goes on – All good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above; then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all his love.