Harvest

For the first time in my life I had the opportunity to investigate, explore and experience a harvest. Two weeks ago I set foot upon a rural family farm operation in west central Minnesota to find out how a corn harvest works. It was nothing short of fascinating for a guy like me who grew up in suburban Minneapolis. I have often wondered how things work, from batteries to thunderstorms or cassette tapes and fax machines... I am amazed at the 'behind the scenes' inner workings that we take for granted. I mean, can we really explain how our voices can travel from one cell phone to another? So, when given the chance to learn about how the combine actually harvests the corn from the stalk, I was all for it.

With that said, please don't expect me to explain it to you. I sat in the cab, I watched the machine violently mow down and chew up the stalks - and I saw it from all angles, too. But I still don't understand, really. It was explained to me in thorough detail and yet, when I sit and ponder it all, I still don't have a clue how all that corn is taken off the cob and collected. But, I did learn some other cool things about corn harvest. I learned what a bushel is. I know what is considered a good yield. I could tell you what the optimal moisture percentage is. I understand how the elevator works and the ins and outs of purchasing. I didn't realize how much math was involved in all of this. I would be doomed - I will just stick to writing sermons and teaching confirmation thank you very much. Yes, hanging out at the farm and asking lots of questions was a day well spent. I tip my hat to the farmers of this world and am grateful for having a little more wisdom into how the food ends up in our cupboards and on our tables every day.

I still have more questions though. Its like I can see the corn going in the combine but by the time it comes out, I still have no idea what just happened. Likewise, it's hard not to think about and discuss the methods of food processing which we're subjected to in the present day. Have you taken any time to read the ingredients on some of this stuff we're putting into our bodies? I consider myself pretty good speaking English but I cannot pronounce half of those words. Ignorance is bliss indeed! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy convenience just as much as the next guy, but it's getting a bit out of hand. From the recent documentaries Super Size Me, Food, Inc and No Impact Man to the books Omnivore's Dilemma and Grub, something is unsettling, if not entirely disturbing, about America's food business. Personally, I have chosen to make much more informed decisions when it comes to what I'm eating and drinking. We are trying our best to buy local and organic whenever possible - but even the label 'organic' is becoming suspicious!

It is both a hope and a goal to someday get all of my food from someone I can shake hands with - both as a way to truly know the where's and how's of food, but also to do my part in treating all of our bodies with care and respect. This is not easy to do on a budget, but worth every effort possible. If nothing else, I think it makes a difference to spend time reading the ingredient labels and knowing what is going into my body. G.I. Joe always told me that "knowing was half the battle." Okay, so 50 percent isn't going to win many battles, but its a good start, right?

6 A.M. Basketball

If I had to pin down the one thing that I’ve enjoyed the most since arriving in Dawson, above all it would be their hospitality. The sense of belonging that exudes from this community is unmatched by any other setting I’ve experienced before. The welcome they’ve extended has been nothing but open, warm and full of Christ’s love and acceptance. We have been truly humbled by their familial embrace and continue to be awed by the various acts of kindness they continue to extend toward us.

One such act of kindness came in the form of an invitation. This invitation was to play basketball on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with other men from the congregation – at 6 o’clock in the morning. I vaguely remembered hearing of such an insane opportunity when I first arrived here. I grimaced. I winced. I shuddered at the thought of rolling out of bed in the wee hours of the day to engage in an intense workout of my muscles, lungs and hand-eye coordination. I have to admit, my first response was to decline the invitation. “Look, I love to play basketball, don’t get me wrong, but not at 6 in the morning,” I replied. After some gentle prodding and encouragement, my hesitancy withered and I agreed to give it a try.

I had a great time and haven't stopped playing since - even after I left one morning with the largest blister I've ever had in my life. It was right on the ball of my foot, and I am not exaggerating - it was the size of a golf ball! Oh, and it had already burst. Needless to say, I was out a game or two after that.

In a strange way though, the early morning basketball has kind of ignited me lately. Aside from getting into more of a routine physically, I have also settled into a nice daily devotional time, getting a little more spiritually fit. And my reading hasn't stopped at the Bible either, I am currently on a frenzy - from multiple pregnancy books to The Shallows: What the Internet is doing to our brains to Brian Mclaren's A New Christianity: 10 Questions that are transforming the faith - I am locked into the written word.

I haven't really missed watching television - we are going into our second month without tuning into a single prime time show. I have found a way to check out a few Minnesota Vikings and Twins games (dropping hints with co-workers with large screen TV's, using the community room at the apartment, etc.) We have watched a few PBS programs and have surprisingly found them enjoyable. As for time with real people, well, Rebecca and I get out for a daily walk and on top of all of my ministry related tasks, I've also been getting to watch plenty of high school sports through the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks' football and volleyball teams. Sure, we've watched several movies (August Rush - SEE IT) and continue to enjoy the old standby DVD collection like Arrested Development and 30 Rock - laughter is after all, the best way to stay healthy.

I guess what I am trying to say is that all in all, life is good. Now, if the Twins could find a way to break the Yankees' spell and win a playoff game or two, life will be GOLDEN. Go Twins!