365 Project 2011

Project 365 Day 132: Farmer

May 13, 2011

Sowing Seeds

Canon 5D Mark ll, 16-35 2.8L, 3.2 aperture, 1/500 shutter, 100 ISO

It is hot. The shadow of the farmer casting long across the rows of rocky, dry soil. The red Georgia clay groans, then loosens to freedom under the grinding blades of the plow. He bends and plucks the weeds and rocks from the rows, preparing a place for the seeds he has hidden in his pocket.

I watch him from a distance, and ponder the scene in front of me. Like his father, he is a farmer at heart, faithful to come back to the earth every spring. Here he finds peace and reward, although the work is difficult. Here, he can let his mind uncoil and rest, as his hands work diligently, making agreements with the earth for harvest. Here, he sees results. Work, sow, and then reap. It is a simple formula. Work hard, tend, and gather. I can see why that feels good. It doesn’t always work this way in other areas of his life.  Sowing doesn’t always mean reaping. And yet, he continues to sow.

Freeing the Soil

Ready for Planting

He cradles the seeds gently in his hands as he prepares to plant them, his wedding ring sliding to reveal how it has worn a place in his skin. He knows commitment. It is a picture of faithfulness, the dirt under his nails revealing he does not fear the grit of hard work. These hands that strum guitar strings also dig deep to plant. They are one and the same.

Gentle Sower

The seeds lay apart from one another in a row, open and vulnerable in the heat of the sun. They will be covered soon. They will die to find life. It is the farmer’s way of things. Some will sprout and be strong. Others will be choked out by weeds, crowded by rocks, or fail to grow roots deep enough. Jesus was a farmer too. (Matthew Chapter 13).

Vulnerable

Abiding in the Shadow

Matthew 13:23 ~ “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”


Psalm 90:17  ~ “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”

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5 Comments

  • Reply Grace May 13, 2011 at 8:52 am

    I loved this. My Paul was a farmer too, and spring was his special time. This was wonderful. Grace

  • Reply Mom Morgan May 13, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    I love this. I have watched it happen so any times, and I love the thought of things flowing from one generation to another. The pictures tell the story. Thank you.

  • Reply Anne May 13, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    This is so true, love this Mary Ann and Thanks for sharing it today! Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it : )

  • Reply 365 Project Day 340: Heart Seeds | Mary Anne Morgan Blog December 9, 2011 at 4:21 am

    […] he carefully sowed each seed. Each seed felt like it was taking root inside me, as I watched my farmer-husband cherish the desires of my heart. Now, we always plant this row by moonlight. I feel like a little […]

  • Reply Project 365 Day 365: Finish Line | Mary Anne Morgan Blog January 3, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    […] talked about my husband, as farmer, musician, and told our love story.  He is my best friend, and my partner for […]

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