Counting Our Blessings: The Top 10 Lessons We’ve Learned on the Farm

For spring break this year, we decided to forego a trip to the beach and focus on the farm. At first, I was truly excited about the idea of spending an entire week at Patch of Heaven. I honestly enjoy most farm work and was looking forward to not having to split my time between all of our other activities and responsibilities and the farm. In addition to unscripted farm time, we were also going to be getting the kids’ show and feeder piglets, a delivery of mystery chicks, and picking up our new cows! How could I not be excited!? 

To add to the excitement, the Friday before break I came across a listing asking for anyone who could take in an orphaned, one-day old piglet. The timing seemed perfect as we would be home all week to care for the little pig along with our new show pigs. Arrangements were made and J headed off to pick up our new baby. Everyone was ecstatic until the phone rang. Before we could get there, the piglet had a seizure and passed away. We had not even met the piglet yet and this was not the first time we had lost a farm animal, but somehow this loss left an unusual, dark cloud hanging over us as we entered break. 

Unfortunately, things didn’t seem to improve as the week went on. We had one day of beautiful weather followed by cold, wet, wind, and mud topped with a few snowflakes. Our trip to the farm for show and feeder pigs proved unsuccessful and we came home empty handed. Several of the projects we had planned to complete did not come to fruition despite hours of hard work and way too many splinters. We did manage to build my greenhouse (after several failed attempts and arguments in the yard) only to have the wind completely destroy it a few days later. One of the cows we were supposed to bring home turned out to be entirely too wild and dangerous to live at Patch of Heaven. The pigs escaped (frequently). The sheep got out and broke the fence (again.) One of mystery chicks was DOA, followed by the loss of a few more over the next week. 

It seemed as if absolutely nothing had gone as planned. The chore list was going in the wrong direction along with my mood. I began to wonder if I had done my family a great disservice by choosing a peaceful week on the farm over a relaxing getaway. I worried that forcing our family into this whole farm life might not be the best idea after all. Maybe it was doing more harm than good. 

Over the next week, I spent way too much time wallowing in my disappointment and staring at the seemingly endless gray clouds, praying for answers and guidance. Gradually, my focus began to shift. Through the challenges and struggles of farm life, we were all learning so much and those lessons spanned far beyond securing fences and raising animals. This life isn’t easy, but that was never the goal. So rather than sulking in the muddy world of woe is me, I chose to focus on my blessings, the lessons we’ve learned - and are still learning - on the farm. Here are my top 10. 

1. The “yuck factor” is real.

Life can be messy and farm life is certainly no exception. Behind every beautiful image of a barnyard filled with adorable animals is a steaming pile of manure. Sooner or later, you will get mud and poop and all kinds of grossness on you. And that’s ok. It washes off. 

2. Fencing matters. 

Fencing is hard. It seems like such a simple thing and yet too many times we have tried to take a shortcut or use the quick fix only to spend a ridiculous amount of time chasing escaped animals and mending fences as a result. In life, and fencing, there are no quick fixes. You have to put in the work to make things last.  

3. A little creativity can fix anything.

Well, almost anything. I am eternally grateful to my parents and grandparents for teaching me how to work with what I have to get what I need. A scrap pile and a jar of old used screws can turn into a sturdy animal shelter. Leftover fencing pieces make a perfect animal transport box. The list goes on and on. Often times, stepping back and thinking outside the box will lead you to a solution. 

4. Be flexible; everything takes longer than expected. 

I’d have long since retired if I had a nickel for every time we underestimated the time we’d need to complete something. Even when I feel like I’ve planned out every last detail something always seems to pop up. Save yourself the stress. Expect the unexpected. 

5. Things die.

“She’s learning a hard fact of farm life.” - John Arable.  I have always loved “Charlotte’s Web,” and this quote from Fern’s father has popped into my head countless times since we moved to the farm. Fortunately, in the book, Wilbur was spared. But the fact of the matter is that nothing lives forever. We are not always prepared for it and at times it feels utterly cruel and unfair, but death is a part of life. It’s never easy, but experiencing death teaches resiliency. Through faith, death and loss brings forth a new appreciation for life. 

6. Get out of your comfort zone. 

Neither my husband nor I were raised on a farm. Jumping headfirst into the farm world absolutely pushes us well beyond our comfort zone on an almost daily basis. More times than I can count, we’ve discussed something that needs to be done and the fact that we have no earthly idea how to do that thing. Our response used to be stress, tension, and occasionally even panic. Now, those conversations usually end by one of us shrugging our shoulders and saying, “Eh, we’ll figure it out.”  I shudder when I think of all the incredible experiences and memories we would have missed if we let that initial fear stop us from pursuing our dreams and passions. Tremendous joy awaits you on the other end of your comfort zone if you only have the guts to try. 

7. Enjoy the little things. 

At the end of the day, it’s always the little things that matter most. Oma’s fresh baked bread. The swing at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Grammy’s special bench by the river. Nothing soothes the soul like fresh, home-cooked food or the feel of the warm summer sun on your face or the sounds of kids laughing and playing in the yard. We’re all busy and sometimes don’t take the time to stop and appreciate or even notice the little things. Being on the farm has reminded me to stop and soak in those precious moments.

8. Always take pride in your work. 

There is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when we are able to step back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Yet hard work is just that…hard.  Sometimes the temptation to give up is strong and it’s easy to wonder if it’s even worth the effort. What we’ve learned is that someone, especially a child, is always watching. They are learning the value of hard work. Seeing our kids now putting their best into their work and passions and taking pride in a job well done makes all of our sacrifices worthwhile.

9. The world is still full of good people.

When we first moved to the farm, we found ourselves in need. In need of straw and hay and livestock trailers and tractors and more. We would find hay for the animals but had no way to haul it. We could find animals but had no way to get them to the farm. Every single time we had a need, there was a friend or neighbor or complete stranger right there to help. No questions asked, no payment expected. Just a good person willing to give of themselves to help a fellow human in need. Don’t be dismayed by the news filled with stories of all that is wrong. Turn off the noise and help your neighbor. The world is still filled with good and kind people if we just shift our focus. 

10. Always start the day with a sunrise and scripture. 

I used to hit the ground running every morning. I had no time for anything, let alone watching a sunrise or reading a devotion. So God planted me on a farm where the sunrise was so awe-inspiring I couldn’t help but stop and watch it. And His miracles were so abundant that I was reminded of His grace everywhere I looked. Sometimes it’s just a few minutes, but even the shortest verse or the briefest pause to soak in the majesty of His creation sets my day on the right path. 

A sunny beach trip sure does sound wonderful as we trudge through the muddy, sometimes gray days that are spring in Wisconsin. Farm life is not always easy and it’s not for everyone. But the lessons learned out here sure do carry far beyond the pasture. 

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which each man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” -Charles Dickens