Consider the Corn

As a child raised in the city, I absolutely LOVED going to my grandparents’ farm each summer. Along with catching fireflies and holding baby pigs, a true highlight was riding the ol’ John Deere tractor with my grandpa.

When I had three small children of my own, I wanted them to experience the same things I did. Since Grandpa was long gone, I arranged a time to meet my grandpa’s neighbor with my three little ones in tow. The sun was low in the sky as they each took their turn riding the tractor. I couldn’t help myself — I had to have a ride, too!

I was quite surprised as I climbed up onto the tractor. There was no doubt things had changed: it was an air-conditioned cab, with a COMPUTER analyzing the soil nutrients and estimating crop yield per acre. I blurted out, “This takes all the hard work out of farming!”

The farmer stopped the tractor, turned to me, and solemnly responded with a question. “Have you ever looked at an ear of corn?”

Intimidated by his serious tone, I quietly listened as he continued, “Did you know that each individual silk at the top of an ear is connected to a specific kernel on the cob. If that specific silk is not pollinated that kernel would not develop.”

I was stunned.

With weathered years of anchored trust, the farmer continued, “The Lord of the harvest doesn’t just provide rain and sun but also the wind to pollinate the corn, right down to the last kernel.”

As I thought of all the corn I had husked — straight rows of kernels bursting with ripeness — I was in awe of God and what He does in this world of ours. It is more than I can ever imagine. Our eyes both filled with tears at the miracle of it all.
A weight shifted that day out in that field of corn. If the Lord takes that much interest in pollinating a cob of corn, how much more will He take care of people! Not just His children, but how He loves those who have yet to know Him, and those who have wandered from Him.

These words of Jesus now have so much meaning to me: “See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. … If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith.” (Matt. 6:28,30).

Our Father knows what I need and what you need. He will take care of us. Deep sigh. And also eager trust. May the Lord of the harvest open my eyes to His ongoing work in the lives of people. Who is He bringing my way and your way this day? The harvest is plentiful!