A Call to Order

      Winter has come and brings with it a call to order. The chilly weather draws us in and slows us down. Outside responsibilities take a back seat and we discover extra minutes that can be used elsewhere. Winter has become a time of establishing order in our house and barns.

      The task can be daunting. This winter we faced a huge task. I have been preparing for a much needed yard sale, storing unwanted items in our barns for that anticipated event. Unfortunately, I started the process almost three years ago. Each summer would come and go and we would find ourselves too busy with our farm responsibilities to pull off a yard sale. So the pile of unwanted “junk” grew to intimidating proportions and began crowding into our living and working spaces.

       What was once a yard sale pile with the promise of a few extra dollars in our pockets had become a hazard and a burden. We needed to set ourselves free. Yet we found ourselves overwhelmed at the thought. My husband made the first bold move and kicked off the purging process that we are currently engaged in as a family. As he loaded up the truck and drove off with an unwanted pile the farm seemed to loose some weight.

      Although we still have “junk” to sort through his efforts inspired us all and we are eager to join in. The job is still in process but there is an end in sight. This winter we are grateful for the cold months that seem to bring with them a call to order.