
I have been talking often with my wife about farming and food. She continues to introduce me to the dangers and opportunities involved in the agro world. In the midst of this learning, she and I had the opportunity to meet and converse with the farmers with whom we receive our vegetables. They were lovely people with thoughtful eyes and patient countenances. The conversation was wonderful, but there was something that one of the lady’s mentioned that continues to stick with me. During a part of our conversation on faith and farming she said something like:
“Who would have thought I would have learned so much about parenting through farming; learning how to remove those things that would challenge the growth of a vegetable without destroying the vegetable’s roots in the process…. How does one skillfully and delicately discipline and guide a child so that the weeds are removed but the roots are not destroyed?”
This idea is incredible to me: attempting to remove weeds by the roots while being delicate to ensure you do not damage the good. If these wonderful people did not continue everyday this work those good plants—the lettuces, potatoes, carrots—would not have space to grow and thrive. They would have to compete for the soil’s nutrients with those weedy enemies. Many would lose the battle. But with skilled hands and delicate precision these farmers are able to give those vegetables an opportunity to grow. This does not guarantee that it will happen, but it certainly ups the chances.
Jesus spoke at different times about farming. He talked about seeds and weeds, cracked soils, and fertile ground. Though a carpenter, he had a keen understanding of the agricultural labor. In this Modern Age we’ve lost this agricultural sensibility. This thinking that asks: How does one clear away those things that hinder genuine growth from happening? This is precisely what is intended when certain individuals, myself included, speak about Spiritual Formation or Spiritual Disciplines. The Christian Life and Love is not natural growth, but something requiring skilled hands and delicate precision. It must be cultivated, and we must orient our lives the same way that farmers orient their trade to the seasons and patterns around them. They are always creating opportunity for growth. This is a possible meaning of inhabiting this reality Christianly: It requires cultivation, learning the “seasons,” and moving in this reality by a different rhythm.
It takes practice and persistence. It takes being willing to change our habits in order that life takes on a different, yet savory flavor. It also takes failing. We are imperfect at these things and we will make mistakes. But we can learn from these farmers. We can continue on in faith knowing that tomorrow brings with it the chance for opportunity to be created. And, who knows, maybe we will discover God right there with us in the fields.
Something tells me we will…
Peace.