It is a blessing to be able to farm, writes Steve Tennes, an organic apple farmer and owner of Country Mill Farms, Charlotte, upon the Feast of Saint Isidore the Farmer, May 15. Steve continues:
We recognize that we are stewards of the land. Farmland is not for us to “own,” but rather to steward. Generations took care of this land before us and we hope many will enjoy this land after us.
We have learned through the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:11: “Give us this day our daily bread…” to ask for our bread for today, not for next week or next year. This is sometimes a difficult lesson. As our livelihood depends not only on how hard we work, but mostly on nature. About 13 years ago, we had a frost in early spring that killed all of our apple blossoms and thus our crop. That year was the first year we took a summer vacation to visit our family in Nebraska. It was a blessing, and we have done that trip every year since.
As stewards of the farm, we also realize this land is for us to share. We have made it our mission to “Glorify God through family fun on the farm and feeding families.” We feel very fortunate to have school children come for field trips and enjoy learning about God’s creation.
We are constantly reminded and amazed by God’s goodness through the changing seasons and nature. Often we are amazed at the beauty we witness in sunrises and sunsets here at our family farm. It reminds us of His awesome love for us us.
Saint Isidore the Farmer, pray for us!
* To know more about the Tennes family farm at Country Mill go to: https://www.countrymillfarms.com/