The farm is officially drought stricken. What began as strange weather patterns last fall, winter and spring has manifested into the most severe drought this area in Illinois has experienced in decades.
The common condition of drought has unified people of all backgrounds, beliefs and profession. Strangers engage in meaningful conversation about when ‘the next chance of precipitation is predicted’ and together, they feel they have connected with a common concern. People look heavenward, whenever a cloud appears on the horizon, with hope for restoration of adequate moisture.
Randy & I spent a few moments a couple weeks ago standing at the edge of our parched cow pasture, looking up expectantly at the approaching rain clouds. It became clear, however, that the clouds that evening would not yield showers on our land but the limited spurts of moisture would fall several miles either side our farm. In the midst of the disappointment something remarkable happened…an amazing sunset.
The beauty of God was breathtaking that particular evening. His presence enveloped our hearts with a sure confidence of His faithfulness…even in the midst of declining yields. Photographing and capturing that moment was an act of worship for me. It was a time of reaffirming in my heart what I knew to be true…God is good, He is ultimately in control, and He desires our sacrifice of praise, especially in the hard times.
The drought has not ended here on the farm since that evening. The grass still crunches under my shoes as I walk across our once green and lush yard. But I am comforted by God’s faithfulness of the past (in my story and in the story of Scripture). Mine is not to question, but to daily commit to placing ultimate HOPE and trust in Him.
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
