A little more than a couple weeks ago my brother and I were ready to start harvesting soybeans. We had several fields that were ready. It was a Friday afternoon and somewhat overcast. We were able to shell the beans out of the pods, but the beans were too wet to harvest. We needed one more day of sun and drying for the soybeans to be just right for harvest. The next day it rained. The day after that it rained. The day after that it rained too. In fact, throughout the course of the next 7-10 days it literally rained everyday, all day long. Well....it did finally end and since last Saturday we have had some of the most beautiful weather one could ever ask for. We started harvesting Monday and haven't stopped since (except for a couple breakdowns...combine, not emotional).

This, my friends, pretty much sums up life. It echoes the writings of Solomon where he states there is a season for everything. Today I write to you with such mixed emotions. I have joy and thanksgiving for health in my family...we just weathered some bad colds. I have much sadness and grief in my heart for the loss of my 40 year old cousin who was suddenly taken from us by some type of pneumonia. I have much praise for a bountiful harvest. My heart is heavy for struggles that I am walking with several people through. I am filled with excitement and enthusiasm about new things happening at Birky's.

I am not sure what life is like for you today. Maybe you are going through a real gloomy rainy season that seems like it will never end. Or, maybe, you are experiencing tremendous sunshine and clear blue skies. Whatever the case may be, always remember the sun is always shining and that God is always with us. I don't know what I would do without the peace of God that Jesus gives me. It is hard to remember the dark 15 years of wanting a family and battling infertility with a house full of a 6, 5, 3 and 2 year olds. In the midst of the darkness, it didn't make sense; it seemed so unfair at the time. But now, it is a distant memory. The hurt and pain and sorrow have faded, but the remembrance of God's loving hand during that time and the peace Jesus gave will never be forgotten.

I have a neat picture on my wall in my office that says "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings as eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint," Isaiah 40:31. As I drove to the cemetery for my cousin's burial with tears in my eyes, I said, "I still love you God...I still trust you." Sometimes life doesn't make sense, but that is why I am to "walk by faith and not by sight." At least I know how it ends!

Blessings,
Chris