Have you ever worked in close harmony with nature? Following the seasons and the weather, knowing that your livelihood depends on them? Rising at dawn and working until sunset?
If not, why not try adopting the wisdom of a farmer in your own professional rhythms?
The Mississippi River reminded me of the powerful forces of nature in life. As I crossed the River into Popeye's hometown, I was reminded of Mark Twain's words in Eruption: "The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise."
I didn't overcome nature in any remarkable way today by crossing this bridge.
Yet my chest pounded. My throat grew that lump that made it hard to swallow. I soon gave into the cleansing rush of tears. My body seemed to know that I'd reached a major milestone. By bones began to release the grief stored deep within me. I battled my brain to allow me this experience. Perhaps it was enough to feel the emotions of the moment pass through me, even if I couldn't logically explain it.
As I watch the harvest happen here in the Midwest, I am reminded of the rhythms of my agrarian roots, which affected everything in life, including things like the scholastic calendar.
And while many of us no longer have careers that rely directly on things like sunrise, sunset, temperature, and precipitation, we too often find ourselves feeling like we're working endlessly and there are no seasons to our work.
So I wonder, if this fall, what if we were to adopt the practice of farmers and set a milestone to finish up a project this season, and enjoy the fruits of our labor before plowing into the next project?
Today I crossed the mighty Mississippi River and transitioned from Missouri to Illinois.
Popeye the Sailor greeted me as I crossed the Mississippi River from Missouri into Chester, Illinois.
