The snow crunches under his feet, and the calendar says it’s not yet spring. A large truck pulls into the yard, unloading bags that contain a season’s worth of hopes and dreams. Though the work is not yet here, he is already planting the seeds of faith.

While the winter winds blow, the farmer spends time in the warm shop. Pieces and parts lay all over, papers and plans cover the table surfaces. He will tinker in there in the evenings and when time allows. Though the work is not yet here, he is already planting the seeds of faith.

He watches the early morning news, hoping and praying to see an upswing in the markets. While the season is still some time away, he samples the soil and studies new ways to improve and conserve farming practices. Dog-eared magazines stand in a pile, used as reference for new ideas or simple encouragement. Though the work is not yet here, he is already planting the seeds of faith.

As the earth begins to warm under the change of seasons, and hints of green begin to appear, the pace of spring begins to quicken. The machinery is serviced and cleaned. The planter hooked up and put through its diagnostic exams and tune up. Though the work is not yet here, he is already planting seeds of faith.

And then the day comes that conditions are right, the soil is worked, temperatures evaluated, and fertilizer laid down. It’s another big piece of planting the seeds of faith.

The big wheels and planter roll gently and carefully into the first field. A crowd gathers to follow the tractor, dig in the soil behind, and trouble shoot those inevitable little hiccups that come during the maiden trips across the field. When all goes well, smiles abound. Those are the moments we love, as he plants the seeds of faith.

On quiet spring nights, the horizon is dotted with the glow of tractor lights and the gentle hum of machinery fills the air.

All over this country, they are planting the seeds of faith.

The days and weeks wear on, dodging Mother Nature and working through the breakdowns of equipment. As the urgency to plant all the seeds picks up speed, it can weigh heavily on the farmer and family. The seeds of faith sown in the ground and in the hearts of those who work the land carry value far beyond one season’s worth of hope and dreams.

And when the days lengthen and warm days of summer arrive, those seeds of faith burst forth from the soil and stretch their green toward Heaven in declaration of appreciation for all the faith and care sown into them. The farmer weeds them and waters them and provides stewardship over all of these planted seeds of faith.

And when summer wears on and they grow to full maturity, the farmer steps back to let mother nature run her course and surrenders control over the outcome for the harvest. It’s in those days that the work done to plant seeds of faith in the soil and hearts matters most of all.

And when the combine crosses the fields and begins to bring in the bounty of all that sown faith, the farmer and family store all those planted seeds away into the places that are used to pay the bills and finance future dreams. As the rich grains pour out and are put away under the brisk fall winds, the farmer is already planting his next seeds of faith.

The circle complete, and beginning again.

Wishing all of America’s farm families a safe planting season.

You may also like:

10 Things You May Not Know About Farmers

I’m More Than Just a Farmer’s Wife

To The Lonely Mama at Harvest Time

Want more stories of love, family, and faith from the heart of every home, delivered straight to you? Sign up here! 

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

Order Now

Check out our new Keepsake Companion Journal that pairs with our So God Made a Mother book!

Order Now
So God Made a Mother's Story Keepsake Journal

Leah Peterson

Leah Peterson is a native Nebraskan, living on the ranch her ancestors homesteaded in 1878. She and her husband Matt, met at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and returned to the ranch in 2012 after working and living in Central Nebraska the past 12 years. They are parents to two daughters, Maggie and Lucy. Leah has an undergrad degree from UNL in Communication Studies, and a MA in Leadership from Bellevue University. Aside from her work at the ranch and opportunity to be a stay at home mom, she enjoys writing, photography, community involvement, spending time with friends and family and trying new recipes in her kitchen. Leah published her first children's book in 2011 titled "An Apple for Dapple" and enjoys traveling throughout the state to share her book with children and raise awareness about the importance Agriculture in Nebraska.

There’s No Place on Earth More Full of Love than Grandma’s House

In: Grown Children, Living
Grandma helping little girl cook

I have this theory that every grandma’s house has its own smell. For mine, her house always smells like the same perfume she’s worn my whole life. I can’t tell you the name of her perfume, but I can tell you what it looks like and exactly where she keeps it on her bathroom cabinet. Occasionally the smell of freshly baked cookies overpowers the smell of her perfume at my grandma’s house. Knowing her signature recipes, I can tell you within a few seconds of walking in the door just exactly what she has in the oven. I imagine other grandmas’ houses smell...

Keep Reading

This is the Good Part, Don’t Wish it Away

In: Living
Woman standing on beach, color photo

Friendly advice: Don’t fail to realize how much you love something until it’s gone. This goes for so many things in life. The calls from your mom reminding you of mundane things. “Don’t forget your warm coat.” “Did you remember to eat lunch?” I am 44, and no joke, my mom reminds me to go to the bathroom before a long drive. It’s hilarious. I’m old enough to know that someday I will absolutely ache for these calls in the morning. Someday I would give anything to have these reminders. So, I take it all in, I roll with it,...

Keep Reading

To the Woman Navigating Divorce: You Will Get Through This

In: Living, Marriage, Motherhood
Woman with eyes closed standing outside, profile shot

On May 4th, 2023 I was delivered devastating news. My husband no longer loved me, and he wanted to end our marriage. This was the last thing I expected. I tried to get him to work things out, but he was firm on the decision that we were done. My heart broke for my children and what I thought I wanted for my life. As it turns out though, this separation and soon-to-be divorce is probably one of the best things that could have happened to me. It has given me a new appreciation for myself, brought me closer to...

Keep Reading

Dear OCD Mom

In: Living, Motherhood
Mom organizing toys

When you’re an OCD momma, you might request an epidural for labor because you know the lack of pain will calm your brain and help you enjoy the experience. When you’re an OCD momma, you might switch to bottles and formula early if the baby is fussy and seems hungry because you want to find joy in the first year and know they’re eating enough. RELATED: To the Mom Left Worrying While Everyone Else is Asleep When you’re an OCD momma, you might stock up on store-bought baby food because you want your child to eat lots of fruits and...

Keep Reading

Losing My Hair and Finding My Beauty

In: Living
Woman standing near Christmas tree, color photo

I blame my mother. That’s right, I blame her for instilling in my young mind to always strive for outward beauty. “Always pretend that there is a hidden camera out there trying to capture an image of you because the way you look will determine how you are perceived by the world.” I remember my mother used to make fun of my overbite. I would catch her staring at me and mockingly copy how I looked. I never really thought that was funny. As early as 12 years of age, I made it a point not to get out of...

Keep Reading

“It Looks and Tastes Like Candy.” Mom Shares Warning about THC Gummies All Parents Need to Hear

In: Kids, Living, Teen
Hand holding bottle of THC gummies

What Aimee Larsen first thought was a stomach bug turned out to be something much more terrifying for her young son. Her 9-year-old woke up one day last week seeming “lethargic, barely able to stand or speak,” his mom shared in a Facebook post. At first, she assumed he had a virus, but something about his behavior just didn’t seem right. She called an ambulance and asked her older sons if their brother might have gotten into something, like cough syrup or another over-the-counter medicine. Their answer? “Yeah, THC gummies.” THC gummies are an edible form of cannabis that contain...

Keep Reading

I’m the Friend Who Flakes Out Sometimes—Thanks for Loving Me Anyway

In: Friendship, Living
Group of women on beach, color photo

I recently read a quote that said, “Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to come.” It resonated. Not because I don’t love my friends. I do. Fiercely. Wholeheartedly. But, I’m that friend. You know the one . . . the last commit, the first to leave. The one who chooses option C when everyone else chooses options A or B. The one who doesn’t initiate the plans. And struggles to show up to the ones that are made even though they are with the people closest to my heart. The one who politely declines opportunities for reasons that are sometimes driven solely...

Keep Reading

Why Have Team Sports Gotten So Expensive?

In: Living, Motherhood
Cheerleaders holding pom poms in line

I love what being on the dance team has taught my daughter. It has taught her to work hard and not give up even when things get difficult. It is currently teaching her that you don’t have to like everyone, but sometimes you do have to work with everyone for the benefit of the team. It has taught her confidence in herself and kept her in great shape. Those are valuable life lessons, and that’s what we’re here for. But something deeply concerns me about these school sports, marching bands, dance, and cheer teams. They are so expensive that only...

Keep Reading

So God Made a Sunday School Teacher

In: Faith, Living
Woman sitting at table surrounded by kids in Sunday school class, color photo

God looked around at all He had created, and He knew He would need someone to teach His children. So God made a Sunday school teacher. God knew He needed someone with a heart and desire to teach children God’s word. God knew the children would act up and made Sunday school teachers with patience and grace to guide them when they step out of line in class. He also made Sunday school teachers with a touch of discretion to know when the stories of a child may be real or imagined. God knew this person would need to be...

Keep Reading

Here’s to the Friends Who Don’t Hide Their Messy Parts

In: Friendship, Motherhood
Two women sit in a field with arms around each other

To the friend who invited me over without picking her house up beforehand . . . thank you.  You had no way of knowing, but I’ve been especially weighed down by the feeling of “I can’t keep up” lately—and when I walked into your beautiful home and saw dishes in the sink and laundry scattered here and there, I let out the deepest exhale I didn’t even realize I was holding in.  Because seeing your mess? Your less-than-perfect? It didn’t make me think any differently of you, but it did allow me to give myself the grace I desperately needed....

Keep Reading