Blessings Friends,
There was a farmer whose grain was ripe and ready to harvest. As storm clouds gathered on the horizon, he knew he had little time to get the harvest in.
He went to the dealership in town and laid every penny he had on the counter. The dealer was thrilled to take the money.
He led the farmer to a brand new, top-of-the-line combine, and the farmer climbed into the seat and turned the key.
Nothing happened.
“Something is wrong with this combine,” the farmer told the dealer. “It won’t start.”
“Of course not,” the dealer replied. “I took the starter out.”
The farmer looked perplexed. “Would you please put it back in? I’m in a bit of a rush.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that,” the dealer said. “You saw how clean that engine is. If you start it, it will get all greasy and dirty. What would people say? I have a reputation, you know.”
“But,” the farmer said, “it’s my combine. I just bought it.”
“Yes, you did,” said the dealer, smiling proudly. “And, I’m going to hang a sign on it with your name, so everyone who comes into my shop will know it belongs to you!”
“You don’t understand,” the farmer explained. “I need to take this combine to my fields.”
The dealer looked shocked. “I don’t think you understand, sir,” he said. “If you drive this combine, the tires will wear down! You’ll have to buy fuel! Do you know how much that will cost? ”
The farmer sighed. “I have plenty of fuel, ” he said. “I also have grain that needs to be harvested. That’s why I bought this combine—to help bring in the harvest.”
“Harvest?” The dealer began to hyperventilate. “But all that cutting will dull the blade! And do you know what the dust and chaff will do to this beautiful paintjob?” He stroked the combine lovingly.
“Look,” the farmer said patiently.”All you have to do is take the money I gave you, and buy more combines.”
The dealers eyes grew wide. “Are you crazy?” he demanded. “Then I would lose this beautiful combine and the money!”
The farmer frowned.”I paid a great price for this combine. But it’s no use to me sitting in your showroom.”
The dealer smiled. “But it looks so good where it is—and I would be much more comfortable with it here, where I know it’s safe. But you can come and visit it any time you want.”
The farmer shook his head. “I don’t need a shiny new combine to visit,” he said. “I need help with the harvest.”
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” Matthew 9:37
God’s grace and peace be yours,
Rebecca
