Pappy Freeman: The Good Earth

There is something both sensual and instinctual about newly turned soil. I grew up on a farm, and in Spring, my heart longs to again plow the ground and walk barefoot in the fresh earth. The smell of fertile soil makes me want to ask a farmer if I can have a turn driving his tractor for a bit.  I wonder what he would say?

There is something primal about planting, watering and seeing the fruit of our labor.  Is it odd that my blood boils more in anticipation of the tilling, sowing and planting that it does for any harvest?  It does not matter whether I am filling a planter box with petunias or seeding corn on a 40 acre field,  there is a euphoria that in a small way, I taking part in creating life. 

If you always ride a computer or stay on the couch, if you think that getting your hands dirty is beneath you, then you NEED to try engaging with the earth in this way.  SEE your food develop from natural processes.  WONDER at the interaction of soil, water, light.  EXPERIENCE the daily growth.  TASTE and see that the God who made this earth provides for you in miraculous ways that we take for granted.  It is almost as astounding to watch a garden grow as it is seeing a baby born.  Almost.   

Every child should learn the value of the good earth first hand.  If nothing else than to see that success and failure comes with effort, care and intuitive knowledge.