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 Give thanks with a grateful heart
Can we as farmers also choose to be thankful in a year when there are too many cattle in the stalls? There are grain piles on my neighbour's fields, but in yours the hoppers have left nothing. The sheep are in the pen also, because politics beyond your control have stymied your ability to market your livestock. To say the year has been tough is an understatement for many. Farm families look for stability, security and control of their affairs. With the triple blow of drought, hoppers and BSE , how can one choose to be thankful? Thankfulness is a choice. In a year like 2003, it may require several steps taken in the same direction to count our blessings. At our Foodgrains Bank harvest this year my friend relayed her feelings about listening to a B.C. rancher . describe how her husband herded out the cows just in time, and as they turned back to look, they silently watched the ranch go up in flames. I had heard the same broadcast with the identical reaction as my friend. We both cried. Tears of pain flow with empathy for families who are suffering great loss, and pain this fall. We also listen to reports of bombings and war ravaged regions that seem far away. Are we thankful to live in a country of peace? This morning a cattleman friend called with an offer of beef for my freezer. Producers are buoyed up with the support of consumers who have shown their support with their stomachs. Be thankful that we've made a connection of goodwill with some folk. The financial squeeze really has no easy answers. The bottom line really is summed up by a comment from Dr. Nikki Gerrard who spent 12 years helping Saskatchewan communities be pro-active in dealing with farm stress. Gerrard's response to a financially-strained farmer was "I can't save your farm, but I can help you save your family." Have you told your family that you love and appreciate them? A radio reports that tears flow from a 60 year-old cattleman under financial duress. I'm glad to hear that some cowboys know the healing power of tears. Vulnerability is not a trait farm men like to openly show, as they usually are a proud, independent self-sufficient bunch. Now is not the time to hold back from your family. Your spouse needs to feel and know the security and commitment of the relationship, no matter how tough things are. Farm families need to know is it okay to ask for help from outside resources, and talk, listen and talk some more. People feel isolated when the stress is high. Invite your neighbour over for pumpkin pie, and coffee. Be courageous enough to make the invitation and walk alongside. I heard a story of an oil-rigger sending money home to the farm to help the cash flow. Non-farm family members have a great role to play in supporting the family back on the ranch. Be thankful for the roots and wings your farm family gave you. Bless your family with your prayers, calls, and cash. I once kept a gratitude journal for a whole year, each night noting the 5 things I was thankful for. This was a soothing activity for me when my mother was dying, when I could consciously look for things to be grateful for, even when grieving a loss. God's word, the Bible is a huge love letter to us of His faithfulness. We are secure knowing that we are deeply loved by God, and He cares for us all the time. It is my prayer that you will encounter believers to encourage you, pray with you, and be a practical help to you this Thanksgiving. We have a great opportunity to be "Jesus with skin on" as we show the love of God, and give thanks with a grateful heart around the turkey or beef this year. Elaine Froese is a Certified Farm Family Coach™ who farms near Boissevain MB. She helps family get unstuck and talk about tough issues for a better future. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors www.cafanet.com. Call toll-free 1-866-848-8311 or email elaine@elainefroese.com Note: You are welcome to reprint or repost any articles on this website with the understanding that
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"Habakkuk teaches us that joy is not dependent on circumstances but can be embraced at the worst of times."writes Mike Mason in "Champagne for the Soul" (Waterbrook 2003). Mason says that happiness doesn't just happen, it is an act of the will. As I read Mason's 90 day experiment in joy, I was deeply encouraged by the changes in his life as he chose joy. Mike Mason married a college friend of mine, and it was great to see how he felt his melancholy character was deeply changed by joy.