By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

The little village of Lennon, Michigan is a quaint picturesque place with very few businesses but lots of beautiful farmland.  Much like where we have grown up and lived most of our lives in the deep south, there are acres and acres of farmland for as far as the eye can see.

We visited with friends and worshiped with them one Sunday.  Directly across the road from their home and church was the large corn field you see here.  Several acres in each direction there stood rows and rows of dried corn stalks.  The rustling of the dried husks in the wind wasn’t the only noise coming from that place.  If you listened closely enough, you could hear tales of how much good produce came from those rows of corn stalks.  You could hear how ear upon ear of corn had fed many a hungry person or animal after the harvest.  You could hear the laughter and fond memories being shared as little ones gathered around the grownups to shuck each and every ear.  And you could hear about the blessings of God along the way.

But that’s not all.  With voices just as loud as those telling about what had already come, you could hear others telling about what was next.  Those rows and rows of dried corn stalks would be cut up and used to feed animals throughout the winter time to come.  And by plowing up the land and keeping it worked correctly, one might also hear tales of the not-too-distant excitement of the spring planting time.  Those old corn stalks, most of which stood much higher than a grown man, had plenty to say – all without uttering a word.

As you face your week ahead, perhaps the Lord will give you plenty of opportunities to speak up for Him, to vocalize His goodness and His grace.  But, even if those particular opportunities don’t come your way, you have the chance to stand tall and testify even without words.  Let those around you see how you’ve stood strong through the wind, the rain, and the blazing heat of the sun to continue doing what God planted you there for.  Let them also see how you seem to face whatever is coming next – with the excitement that He has it all in His control.

It is a dried up old corn field.  But, it has a story to tell.  Don’t forget that you do too!

Just a thought.