Irrigation for the Soul

There is something about "farm pictures" that I have always loved. They stir something inside of me that makes me appreciate the men and women who till the land and plant the seed. Farming is probably one of the most "thank-less" professions (along with law enforcement) in our culture. Pictures of farms, farm equipment and crops remind me of the simple necessities in life.

This particular picture is taken of an irrigation pivot system located on the property that our family leases for farming. These systems have become quiet popular because of frequent drought seasons. This bad boy has a price tag of approx. $50,000. This particular bad boy has a bad boy brother a few hundred yards away. The cost of these glorified water hoses gives me even more respect (or should that be sympathy??) to the farmer and the landowner.

It is always an interesting sight to watch these systems crawl across a field. These mechanical centipedes are powered by motorized systems that generate enough gusto for travel. I have always thought it would be perfect subject matter for a Alfred Hitchcock thriller or Stephen King blockbuster. Remember Children of the Corn?

Check out the thunder clouds looming above the pivot. Shortly after Justin took this picture a "gully washer," as we call them down south, provided nourishment to the soil. God has His own way of tending to His creation that pales against this giant water sprinkler. God is the Original Nourisher of the soil and the soul. There have been times in my life when I have settled for "imitation sprinklers" for nourishment. But nothing quenches true thirst like the showers of God's words when we allow them to pivot and guide us.

Fear not, Earth! Be glad and celebrate! God has done great things.Fear not, wild animals! The fields and meadows are greening up.The trees are bearing fruit again: a bumper crop of fig trees and vines! Children of Zion, celebrate! Be glad in your God.He's giving you a teacher to train you how to live right—Teaching, like rain out of heaven, showers of words to refresh and nourish your soul, just as he used to do. And plenty of food for your body—silos full of grain, casks of wine and barrels of olive oil. Joel 2:21-24