“Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all
circumstances. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dawn broke last fall as Nebraska farmers
gathered to harvest a field full of corn.
There were smiles on their faces but their hearts were heavy. They met to help a friend in need. Because underneath their weather-beaten skin
and tough exteriors, those ten men were soft and mushy inside. They dropped their own chores that day to work
a friend’s field during fall harvest; a critical time.
Their friend Gene, a third-generation grain farmer nearly
died a few weeks back while fixing a 3 ton combine head when it came crashing down
on top of him, crushing him underneath. Every
breath became a frantic struggle. It was
the longest 3 hours of Gene’s life as he clung to life praying for someone to
come along and help.
Eventually an unexpected salesman came along and found him pinned
under the massive machinery. Gene was
airlifted to a local hospital. Three
surgeries and months of rehabilitation later, he recovered by the grace of God.
His friends gathered that day to help Gene in his time of
need. Three combines, three grain carts,
5 grain haulers and 10 farmers tackled the fields, pulling up 144 acres of corn
before it was too late. Gene watched
from his window in a wheelchair; his grandchildren nearby witnessing it all.
The combines quickly and methodically plowed along, scooped
up the crops, harvested the kernels, and trucks hauled them away. The farmers did in 8 hours what would have
taken Gene and his helper nearly a month to do.
It ended with a luncheon. Wives brought food and gratitude to the table
despite the tragedy. Gene personally
thanked each one: for their help, their friendship and for God’s hand in it
all.
It’s just what farm communities do – somebody needs some
help – they get it. An emotional journey
for Gene and his family, but also for the farmers who did the only thing they
knew how to do when one of their own was down.
It’s also how Christian communities rally around God’s
children to help when needed.
The outpouring of love recently had my family and I full of
tears and thanksgiving. Prayers, emails,
Facebook posts, calls from friends near and far, and perfectly-timed words sent
straight from heaven, poured in. Every
single reassurance and prayer had sent me praising God for such people.
Thanksgiving occurs but once a year. “Thanks Living” happens daily! We all know “Thanks Living” people. They radiate joy and thankfulness. Everyone loves to be around them. They have a servant heart, a smile, and an
uplifting word for everyone. They offer
a spiritual perspective that transforms even the darkest situations.
Guess what? You too can
be that person!
Lord, when the troubles of life knock me down,
help me realize that the best place to be is when seeking You in prayer. When I can’t seem to muster the strength to
pray for myself, surround me with intercessors who come to You on my behalf. Amen
