Rocks In The Washer

Be the Corn Stalk in the Soy Bean Field

So – I’ve been driving by these pristine fields of soy beans – all even, weed free – beautifully smooth to the OCD person they’d give joy, uniform plants, etc.  Same with the corn fields – tall evenly spaced, same height fields.  But then….there is the one field, sparse places, some beautiful even sections, but some areas with random corn stalks growing tall out of the soy beans.  It’s given me lots to ponder as I do my little country commute to work.

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So, my first thoughts are like this.  Dear daughter of mine, who is struggling with the start of school, managing her newly diagnosed T1 Diabetes amid learning delays and peer issues.  I’ve shown her this field and said:  “See that corn stalk – be the corn stalk.  Stand tall, bear your corn cob proudly amid the many soy beans around you.  Walk your walk.  Be you.  Be proud. Different is Ok.” 

Sometimes I  honesty wish she’d “blend” and “be like all the others – just fit in more” – have those tribes of friends that let you play and not turn you away.  Have a posse of gals calling, coming to play.  The other weekend a random gal showed up to play on a Saturday – we had plans to leave, but I threw them away recognizing the importance of this newer friend coming to play.  It was nice. 

I have to realize, her destiny God given path is being that corn stalk in a soy bean world.  Finding those that embrace her anyways, lifts my heart and gives me hope.  On the days she comes home from school with tales of sadness, I just hold up my corn stalk with support of love to bear against the winds that try to blow her down.

In a society of norms – different scares folks.  But it is that difference we need to look at, live with and embrace.  It takes more work.  It isn’t easy.  It makes us squirm sometimes. Did God know she’d need parents like us?  He gave her to us to help her walk this path the best we can. Who knows what else lies ahead?  Time will tell – it always does. 

So – dear corn stalk – hang in there.  You will not be wanted at soy bean harvest time, but there is a season for corn harvest.  In our season of life you are cherished, loved and wanted greatly! 

May we all find our season and embrace it.

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late

By Peter Seeger