Farm Series Part 8 [ Character Building ]

Hope stood looking through the old farmhouse window wondering to herself when her farmer would be home. 

She had gotten all the kids to bed and now she waited. Memories came flooding back to the earlier years of their marriage when late nights, early rising, and one day weekends seemed so foreign to the young farm wife...

The long days and long weeks didn't seem as bad when it was just Hope and Clay. Hope could spend her days riding in the combine, tractor, or semi with Clay. But soon they welcomed their first baby boy and their lives changed forever. What a blessing that little baby boy was to them. 

Hopes responsibilities changed. No longer was she able to spend all day with Clay while he worked in the fields. She was so happy to have that cute chubby boy always by her side. Now the days seemed even longer to her and at times lonely. It was a happy time but also learning and growing time for Hope.

Hope started to see the lack of character in herself. Her lack of patience came as a shock to her because she had always thought of herself as a very patient person. Children will bring out the best and the worst in you and you can either choose to ignore the faults and shortcomings in yourself or you can face them head on and with the grace of God grow in good character.  

An attitude adjustment was exactly what Hope needed during the longer seasons that came with Spring and Fall. Realizing that the long days wouldn't last forever and soon Clay would be around more often. 

Those first few years were growing years for Hope. Growing in patience and selflessness.....

Hope saw Clay's headlights coming down the drive towards the house after another long day. What a blessing to be married to such a hard working man!