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Looking back on those years we spent tending the land, I can’t help but smile at the memory of it all, even though the season was not without its deep challenges.
For a long while, goats were the center of our world. I can still picture myself out there every morning, hands busy milking while the father of my children was inside turning that fresh milk into cheese. I was usually right there beside him afterward, helping with the process. It was a rhythmic, earthy way to live, and there was something incredibly grounding about working so closely with the animals and the soil.
Those years were filled with such a wide range of experiences. On one hand, it was pure, simple fun—the kind of life you want your children to grow up witnessing. I cherished being able to invite our family and friends up to the property so they could see exactly what we were doing. There was a real sense of pride in showing them the work of our hands and letting them get a taste of that lifestyle. It felt like we were building something meaningful together.
Naturally, it wasn't all sunshine and rolling hills. There were difficult times, too—some of them quite painful. Living so close to nature and the elements brings a set of hardships that you simply can’t prepare for. Whether in the silence of the early mornings or the bustle of making cheese, I found that even in the struggle, God provides Steps To Joy if we are willing to look for them.
As an Inspirational Composer, I often look back at these seasons to find the melodies of life. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. It was a wonderful experience to live so simply and intentionally. It shaped my heart and my music in ways I’m still grateful for today.
Reflection
Living close to the land reminds us that there is a season for everything under heaven. Even in the seasons of hard labor or unexpected pain, there is beauty in the work of our hands when we offer it up as one of our many Platforms of Praise. What "earthy" or simple moments is God using to shape your character today?
