Post by thewisefarmer on Dec 23, 2017 10:06:17 GMT
IN THE BARN
Finally the dream of a lifetime had occurred. We bought a farm.
I am told that the long frustrating story of actually getting moved into the farm house will bring me great laughter one day. I will just politely mention that it was quite a unique adventure making the move.
Out of money and ready to move in, it was easy to believe that the house would be ready when I was told. Alas, with painting and flooring still be completed, Peter-John could not be in the house.
We took up residence in the big steel pole barn. It was large and clean with a cement floor. This was the barn I planned to make into a place to display all my nativities, so I could bring people out to the farm to enjoy them. Even without electricity, it was just a fancy camping out adventure; so, we moved in.
Days turned to weeks and the late October chill got more and more intense. What had started as a fun adventure, turned to a tolerant wait, then turned to impatient concern.
I tucked Peter-John in for the night. Our little Shih Tzu dog and the bob tailed cat snuggled up with him. The other critters were being boarded at various places until the house was done. I went to bed as well.
The piles of blankets that were being used as make shift beds softened the cement, but the chill now came up through the ground below. A wind of bitter chilling force seeped through the steel walls as if they were not there.
In my exhaustion and frustration, I decided to have a discussion about this with Jesus.
"I have had enough. I can handle a great deal myself, but Peter-John and the critters are here too. What kind of mother keeps her child in a barn?"
The weather man stated there was lightening that rolled over head that night, but I know different. It was audible laughter from Jesus himself.
I conceded, having my son sleeping in my nativity barn was fitting.
Within a few days, we moved into the house. The almost 90 year old house was not fancy, but it was a well loved farm house that welcomed us in.
Christmas was approaching faster than usual. With still so much to do in the house, the preparation for the holidays came in the wink of Santa's eye. Most of our furniture was still not in the home. Our decorations were meek, but we were finally home.
With our nativities still packed away, I bought a new set for this Christmas. As I set up the nativity set, Jesus and I shared in my richer understanding of Christmas as I placed the figure of the baby boy into the manger and set that within the barn. I had a new respect as I set the Mary figure near the manger.
The furnace kicked in and I thanked Jesus. We were home.
The deep peaceful warmth that I felt came from within my soul more than from the furnace itself.
I still chuckle under my breath when the door is left open and the words arise...."Close the door! Were you raised in a barn?"
I close the door myself, knowing Jesus is smiling.
Finally the dream of a lifetime had occurred. We bought a farm.
I am told that the long frustrating story of actually getting moved into the farm house will bring me great laughter one day. I will just politely mention that it was quite a unique adventure making the move.
Out of money and ready to move in, it was easy to believe that the house would be ready when I was told. Alas, with painting and flooring still be completed, Peter-John could not be in the house.
We took up residence in the big steel pole barn. It was large and clean with a cement floor. This was the barn I planned to make into a place to display all my nativities, so I could bring people out to the farm to enjoy them. Even without electricity, it was just a fancy camping out adventure; so, we moved in.
Days turned to weeks and the late October chill got more and more intense. What had started as a fun adventure, turned to a tolerant wait, then turned to impatient concern.
I tucked Peter-John in for the night. Our little Shih Tzu dog and the bob tailed cat snuggled up with him. The other critters were being boarded at various places until the house was done. I went to bed as well.
The piles of blankets that were being used as make shift beds softened the cement, but the chill now came up through the ground below. A wind of bitter chilling force seeped through the steel walls as if they were not there.
In my exhaustion and frustration, I decided to have a discussion about this with Jesus.
"I have had enough. I can handle a great deal myself, but Peter-John and the critters are here too. What kind of mother keeps her child in a barn?"
The weather man stated there was lightening that rolled over head that night, but I know different. It was audible laughter from Jesus himself.
I conceded, having my son sleeping in my nativity barn was fitting.
Within a few days, we moved into the house. The almost 90 year old house was not fancy, but it was a well loved farm house that welcomed us in.
Christmas was approaching faster than usual. With still so much to do in the house, the preparation for the holidays came in the wink of Santa's eye. Most of our furniture was still not in the home. Our decorations were meek, but we were finally home.
With our nativities still packed away, I bought a new set for this Christmas. As I set up the nativity set, Jesus and I shared in my richer understanding of Christmas as I placed the figure of the baby boy into the manger and set that within the barn. I had a new respect as I set the Mary figure near the manger.
The furnace kicked in and I thanked Jesus. We were home.
The deep peaceful warmth that I felt came from within my soul more than from the furnace itself.
I still chuckle under my breath when the door is left open and the words arise...."Close the door! Were you raised in a barn?"
I close the door myself, knowing Jesus is smiling.
