shelter

Happy Spring from The Farm at Crowders Creek! Trees are budding, birds are nesting, and our baby chicks are thriving in the shelter of their chicken tractor. My cold frames, full of newly planted seeds, hold the promise of a summer harvest. As I write this post I am on my lunch break while I #telework from home. Schools across North Carolina are closed through May 15, 2020. Covid-19 is sweeping across the globe, our nation and our state. So much has changed since my last post about my “rockpile“.

These unprecedented times have left all of us with a temporary new normal. Working from home, supporting remote learning, Zoom conferencing (Thank you Zoom.us) and locating online resources are now becoming part of my work day. Just this morning I spent almost two hours in virtual meetings with colleagues at my school.

The need for caution is real, tangible and can be unnerving, yet I find comfort and peace in the shelter of my home. The Farm is a special place for our family. The history of this North Carolina Century Farm is palpable for those who walk through the woods, hike to the top of “The Knob” or pause to listen to Crowders Creek as it bubbles and winds its way through the property. The simplicity of an afternoon bicycle ride to the mailbox, yes it is that far, is a pleasure that calms the soul. The old workshop holds the unique smells of projects from the past and denotes hope for what is to come. The new barn, while under construction, is rising from the red clay, to offer future shelter to horses, ponies and more.

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In the face of this awful virus, from the comfort of this farm, I am reminded of the calming shelter we can find in God above. The Hebrew word for shelter is machaceh. The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words notes that this word means hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. As our nation and those around the world fight this invisible enemy, we have a hope and refuge in Christ.

Social distancing and temporary closures of businesses provides us an opportunity to slow down and refocus. As I find myself with more time to work in my garden and projects here at The Farm, there is no doubt that my “rockpile” will grow as I add new stones for those on the frontlines fighting the coronavirus. My prayer for each of us is that we feel the comfort and hope that can only come from God above in these difficult times and that we will not live in fear, but in the hope that He is in control. If you are worried or anxious, reach out and talk to someone. You are not facing this virus alone!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold, and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge…”

Psalm 144:2

I am sending you and your loved ones wishes for continued health and safety as we all do our part to fight this virus. As we practice #socialdistancing, I would love to hear from you and stay connected via the blog or on social media. Call me or message me. When I am not #teleworking in the living room, I will be working on my she-shed project or in my garden. You, my friends and family, will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care!

~Laura