Going Back to the Farm

Psalm 37:29 “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.”

I have always considered myself a “Martha” (Luke 10:38-42) – worried and concerned about so many things, a Type A task-oriented worker bee. I realize the shortcomings in this profile and the roses that I have not had a chance to smell along life’s way. One of those roses is my maternal family acreage whose driveway is embellished by lines of tall trees. The beautiful refurbished homestead exists because of the loving efforts and expense of my parents.

For many years, I never liked visiting the restful boondocks along these country roads. I always thought life was too slow here. I only heard clocks ticking incessantly on the mantle at my step grandmother’s house at Bacon’s Castle. I only pondered the many youthful things I could be doing instead of seemingly wasting time. I was a declared “city girl” through and through. Not very aware of the magic that could be found on the backroads of family ties. Not very aware of the God Who was always present on my unfolding journey of faith.

Luke 10:41-42 “‘Martha Martha,’the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ ” Mary sat at the the Lord’s feet listening attentively to what He was saying. Meanwhile, Martha busied herself in perhaps the would-be kitchen, distracted by all the preparations for a guest’s visit – especially Jesus. Mary put her relationship with Jesus first and gave Him her undivided attention. Meanwhile, Martha harbored a complaining spirit, feeling abandoned by her sister, and feeling that the load of work unfairly fell upon her shoulders. (Even in my task-orientation comfort, I have always resented the kitchen when I miss out on all the rich conversations going on in the living room… that is another Martha story.)

Perspective is everything here. Just like the Smithfield home place. Easy to miss the value. Easy to be distracted by other things. Easy to be too busy. Easy for many years to pass by. Easy to discount the blessings of family heritage and the storyline that brought me into this family tree in the first place…

But gaining new perspective, easy to be grateful when you eventually realize an unfolding promise. Easy to sense the redemption story being told despite unrecoverable moments. Easy to find rest here now. Easier to hear the Lord’s voice. Easier to understand “forever” in light of the long lane to LaGrange. This picture book farm on a sunny day might be a shadow of heaven, drawing me heavenly homeward. A reminder of God’s investment in my family for generations. A reminder that “the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” A reminder of the legacy of faith in my family’s generations. Easier to be grateful for some pretty great parents.

Always a reminder to enjoy sitting at the feet of Jesus.