The Remains

Even the hard times are not wasted.

I’m learning about farming. 

As I noted in my last article, corn becomes useful when leaves are dried out and heads are bowed. 

We can be useful when our heads are bowed, too.

Today I survey more fall fields.  Harvesters still rumble .

Fields of husks, stubble and stalks provide a bumpy view scattering to the horizon.

But, there are some fields which fascinate me. These fields are a smooth golden carpet. 

This carpet is dotted by beautiful round bales.

I love these fields with bales and I’m curious about them. One day, I stepped into a field and took a photo.  The bales wrapped stalks and husks and cobbs, all the stubble of the harvested field.  

I wondered, “What could these baled remains, the carnage of the harvest cut, be good for?”

I decided to call my farmer friend. She told me bales of harvest remains are used to feed cattle in hard times.

Wow!  My brain started racing.  I’m big on analogies these days.

I’d just discovered another corn field lesson! 

Maybe you feel like you’ve been cut.  Something precious has been taken away from your life. 

Your horizon is all stubble and stalk.

You wonder if anything can be done with what’s left…the carnage of the cut. 

Rest assured, God can use everything. Just like the baled harvest remains,

God can use wisdom born from pain.

So if you’re feeling hurt and empty, remember

your remains can be used to help someone else survive a hard time. 

It’s up to you. 

Look for someone to help.  You and your scars could very well be the answer to their prayer.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28