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Published: May 20, 2008 04:54 pm
The Yield: First ‘Yield’ column still rich in memories
Originally published in the May 16, 2008, print edition.
This past winter, I have been writing my book about our family’s journey as written in The Land. It has been a wonderful time of reflecting 42 years of farm life. Enjoy with me the introductory column, which I titled, “The Yield.” For in it you will see how The Lord has blessed us richly with yields of the spiritual, family, friends, neighbors, mental, physical and an educational nature. To God be the glory for the things He has done. This was my first article.
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A Bounteous Varied Crop
April 27, 1978
I received a surprise call from The Land inviting me to write for their farm magazine. Flattered, bewildered and excited about the opportunity, I said, “Yes! But I have not written for publication.”
“You write your thoughts and feelings about farming. We’ll edit for you. Come to the office in Mankato and have a tour of the Free Press here in Mankato.”
A day later, with my 2-year-old daughter playing on her blanket under the table, I listened carefully. You can write your articles at home and send them to us at the Free Press. After a tour, I left with Sarah tucked in my arms. The baby bag soft with diapers, bumped against the glass door as I pushed through.
“God,” I prayed humbly, “I want to give this column to you. I will write about the difference you’ve made in my life.” My eyes were teary. I had prayed for a job I could do at home so I could earn just enough money to buy books. Recently, I had asked for a more personal relationship with Jesus. I was hungry for His Word. What they were paying me would help with books. I could be with my farmer husband, Larry and our adopted daughter, Sarah. I hugged her.
Out of a grateful heart, I write these articles hoping that readers will share their views with the paper and me. Dad says the best way to begin is to jump right in. So here I go.
My name is Susan Peterson. I’m a farm partner to my husband, Larry. We have a daughter, Sarah and soon by adoption we will be having a second child. As partners with Larry’s family Ruth, Vern and his brother Mark, we farm south of Amboy. For work we raise grain, hogs and cattle. As hobbies, we raise poultry, and exhibit Brahma and Cochin chickens. Belgian horses catch our fancy and we are starting a herd.
All winter long, our hope has been that winter must end, that the sun will shine warm again. We have been huddled in our home keeping warm.
Spring Again!
The winds, the earth, the rain, the sun, are so freeing. All to be shared with and understood by children discovering the outdoors after being confined to carpeting and puzzles during the cold dark months of winter. Finally they can run wild.
My two-year-old daughter, Sarah, experienced the first outing with her dad, I had plans to begin spring housework. It was ignored as I watched her run from puddle to puddle, then to the green grass, she picked up a stone and looked at it. I chuckled to myself at her newfound excitement of spring.
Leslie Ann Haroldson, toddler daughter of Harry and Phyllis, from Amboy, gazed at an oil slick shimmering vivid colors on a puddle of water. Sadly she exclaimed, “Oh Mommy, a dead rainbow.”
I think of farm wives in the spring organizing and cleaning house, starting seeds or baby chicks stealing time from the bustle of chores to enjoy the spring winds sort on our faces.
Stealing time to relax on green grasses and to reflect on the past. We mourn some of the changes, wondering if they have something to say to us. In thinking about the future we question whether bigger and modern is better.
I like the name of this paper, “The Land.” It’s solid and rural. And I enjoy the word “yield” for it signifies the accomplishments of one’s ambitions and work. I have chosen “The Yield” to head this column of the paper.
The Yield. Some are seasonal; the first flowers and grasses of spring, the garden produce of summer and grain harvest of fall. Women’s needle art of winter including quilting, knitting, crocheting and varied ethnic crafts keep them busy during the cold months. Many women work off the farm to add to the family income. Men’s skill of fixing up things for the house, machinery and barns is done throughout the winter months.
The Yield. Some are lifetime accomplishments. Our relationship with God, spouses, babies, children, neighbors, love of America and the world. We speak out for farming, joining religious, political and civic involvement hoping we yield love, joy, peace, patience, goodness and faith.
To grow in the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, long suffering, goodness and faith. Galatians 5.22
Thinking
1. What yields are in evidence at this time of your life?
2. Which fruits has the Lord taught you through experiences? Journal an experience.
•••
Sue Peterson has been writing “The Yield” column since 1978 and has been a staple of The Land. She may be reached at sustan2@bevcomm.net or 1010 East 5th St., Blue Earth, MN 56013.
Matthew 6; Psalm 37:5-7
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