I love this quote from Charles E. Kellogg: “As a farmer, man himself became closely attached to the landscape, firmly rooted to the soil that supported him. At times the soil seemed bountiful and kindly and again stubborn and unfriendly, but it was always a challenge to man’s cunning.”

I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered a profession where someone is more firmly rooted to it than farming. The soil, the land can be so immeasurably bountiful yet months later be so unforgiving. A farmer and his or her land is like the strongest magnet in the world. Nothing, except unforeseen forces, can break the hold they have on each other.

This year’s crop season is certainly one for the books. Farmers have held on to their Lord and to every ounce of strength and fortitude they have. Among the chaos and stress, it’s so important to be intentionally grateful. Psalm 65:12-13 says, “…the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.”

Pause and reflect on what’s dear to you. If you have livestock, walk among them and remember the joy you experience with them.

Is your equipment in good working order? Be thankful for how it helps you. Do you have farm help that is grateful for the work, shows up on time, dedicates their efforts to making your operation successful? Show them your appreciation.

Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

Yes, our cunning is challenged, some are in drought, and we don’t yet know how crops will turn out. But the Lord is constant, and he reigns.

Hayhurst writes from Terre Haute, Ind.