Time is a funny thing. We don't know how many days we have, but each and every one of us has the same number of hours in a day. How we choose to use those hours varies greatly. Most people are productive in some way, either through a job, or taking care of the family, or volunteering in a worthwhile endeavor. All of these activities are important. Where we spend our time creates so much of who we become as a person. I think the happiest life is one that is well-rounded. Most of us need to work to provide for our family, that's an important and respectable way to spend time. Equally important is to provide love and support to those family members. They not only need income, they need our affection and encouragement and support. Additionally, we need spiritual grounding. We need time alone, time in fellowship with others, and time doing for others out of compassion. That sounds great, doesn't it? Such a well-balanced life. The phrase "work-life balance" has been thrown around so much that it usually seems more like a joke. We all know we need balance, but how do we get it. On the farm, we are in an odd position. We absolutely love the work we do. That sounds like a good thing, and it is. But, the next task that needs doing is never more than a few feet away. When I would say as a kid "I'm bored". My dad would say " Just turn around twice, you'll find enough to keep you busy all day." It's true. There is literally always something that needs to be done. And to make it even more difficult, we live here. There is no off switch. There is no door to walk out and lock up. It would be similar to working in a warehouse and living in that warehouse. To do this job right you have to live it. The thing is, we don't mind that part (usually). But, it makes finding balance so difficult. It's hard to play ball with the kids when just over your shoulder is something you need to do. Part of that is my fault. I've spent the last several years focused on producing lots of delicious stuff that folks want to eat. I'm proud of that, and we will totally continue to do that. Being a productive farmer is part of my identity, but it's not all of my identity.
I said all that to say this. I have decided on my word for 2022 (it's actually 2 words). At first, I was thinking about the word "commit". There are things that I want to get done that I just haven't committed to. But after more evaluation, that just didn't seem right. I am already fully committed. Every minute of most days is already committed. If I asked myself to commit more, it just seemed like I was asking to squeeze blood from a turnip. What I need to do is "Make Room". The things I want to do just require room in my calendar. We all have the same 24 hours. What we "make room" for during those hours is our choice. I learned last year that I can "enjoy" more than just the farm work. This year I intend to make room for that joy.
(Don't worry. We are still gonna produce all the delicious things you have come to expect and enjoy. This just represents thoughts about my personal growth, not only as a farmer, but also as a Christian, a husband, and a father.)
