A Farmer’s Gratitude: Slower Days for Reflection and Fellowship
In the month of November and especially this week, we as Americans are thrown face first into the season of Thanksgiving. As a farmer, it is easy for us to relate to the meaning of the holiday. The original holiday was a religious observance to thank God for the many blessings the people had received over the past year and to celebrate the harvest. As the country grew the holiday was not observed everywhere and each state made the decision to celebrate it as a holiday or not. Eventually it was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln on October 3, 1863.
In our world today, the one day has evolved into nearly a week of celebration or maybe it should be called vacation. Schools are out and many take off work for most of the week. It is a sign for time spent with family along with rest, relaxation and mostly overindulgence in the many yummy foods we associate with Thanksgiving. It is a time of transition to slower days and the Christmas holiday will be here soon.
On the farm, it also signals the beginning of duck season which is one of my favorite times of the year. The small communities surrounding us become a bustling business full of friends made from years of hunting together. Early morning hunts are followed by a large spread of good Southern breakfasts and then possibly a nap. The table is full again at suppertime as the limit of the day has been transformed into appetizers and main courses fit for a king. Stories are told again and again as friendships are rekindled or begin anew. Young and old sit together and the younger ones must hear how easy they have these days while the older generation talks of hunting in their youth.
Green timber duck hunting
We mainly hunt our own rice fields but when we get an invite to hunt timber — WE GO!
Just like the Thanksgiving holiday, duck season is its own tradition I never want to lose. For me, it is a time of slower days and fellowship. As I have gotten older it is even more special to me simply because of the friends we have made. The many friends who travel to hunt with us are part of our family. We have all surrounded each other when we have had a need for support. These friends have filled our little world with love and encouragement when we needed it the most. The “hunt” means so much more.
This time of year always seems to encourage me to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one around the corner. I enjoy the darker evenings that bring more peacefulness to the air. As the twinkling lights begin to shine, they represent memories of years past and a glowing spotlight on what is to come. These longer nights help me center myself. It is time to review the past calendar and remember the good and stressful times for 2024. To learn from each one and plan for the new year ahead.
But for today, and the rest of this week, I urge you to focus on what is important in this life. Mainly the relationships we have with others. I truly believe we have let the cancel culture embed itself too deeply in our hearts. Doesn’t it take so much effort to hold a grudge? Let it go if only for a day or two. Open your heart and head to the possibilities of forgiveness along with your thanks.