My Dad Is Smiling

My dad was a dairy farmer all of his life. He loved everything about his chosen profession. He especially enjoyed harvest and the great feeling of accomplishment he got when the corn was safely tucked in the corn bins, ready to feed our cows.

This past week I did the combining for the first time in my life, and I know my dad was smiling down on me!

On our farm, like many farms, each of us in our family has certain responsibilities, and driving the combine has always been Grandpa Roy's job, but with his current health issues 

he is unable to drive, so it was my turn to give it a try.

The combine has three jobs. First it cuts off the corn stalk from the ground. Next it separates the stalk from the corn. Finally, the combine removes any remaining debris from the corn. The combine "combines" three jobs, hence the name! After some instruction from Farmer John on how to work the controls and what all the buttons did, I was off and running.

For eight days this was my view. As the combine followed down the rows of corn, I thought of my dad, and how much he enjoyed the harvest season.

And I too got the feeling of accomplishment, as I watched through the window behind me, as the combine filled with kernels of corn.
"I wish your Dad could see you now," Farmer John said.

As each load of corn was transferred from the combine to the wagon to be moved to the storage bins, I thought about how fortunate I am to be doing something I enjoy, and that also benefits so many people.

What a blessing to be outdoors appreciating the beauty God has placed around us, the feeling of a job well done, and the smile on Grandpa Roy's (my father-in-law)  face when I finished harvesting our 130 acres of corn.

And to you Dad, I now know why you loved harvest-

I can tell you're smiling!