Day #22 of Thankfulness

The view is so different from our own.

Miles stretch in front of us. 

Never ending highways. 

Endless shopping attractions, all surrounding one of the quietest cultures.

We pass horse and buggies, amid the roaring traffic and stop lights. 

And I can’t help but think the work it takes to 
keep out the influences of the modern culture. 

All around it shouts and blares. 

Urban sprawl encroaching in on the once peaceful, quiet landscape.

How much longer until it is silenced? 

How long can this community with stand the pressures surrounding them?

They work hard to be in community. 


Hebrews 10:25
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

To live within their means. 

The land given to them by God; a gift. 

Their faith and life one. 

As we slowly drive, taking in the landscape, comparing farming practices to ours; 
we fall silent. 

So much of our life is so fast and misdirected. 

This time away has been refreshing. 

This country; beautiful.
We have been reminded how little we have seen of God’s creation. 

Yet we have also been reminded of how much we love home. 

the gift of family
all 4 kids swimming and getting along
giggles and laughter
a farmer who stays up too late watching movies
no schedule
no chores
no cooking
the reminder that in the North East we have really good coffe
a  landscape that stretches on as far as one can see
discussions on farming and reasons for being a good steward
rich, quality time together where death and cancer seem far away
deep breaths 
a break in the routine
an unplanned day
faith that holds us together
A God who sees the whole picture