When to Hang up the Boots
Do you know a farmer?
If you do you will probably be aware of how hard he works, how many hours he puts in day after day.
You will know how few holidays he has and how little spare time he has for anything.
My hubby was born on a farm, raised on a farm then when we married we bought a farm in our own right. That was 49 years ago. He is now 74 years old and still very much loving what he does. He starts at 6 am and will not knock off while there is still light in the sky.
We run two very intensive farms of around 560 acres each. They are stocked with around 1000 each of cattle and sheep, so a lot of animal husbandry work on top of pasture management, fences, water supplies etc.
He runs the two farms mostly on his own, hiring contractors for harvesting and shearing and some mechanical work.
The Problem
The problem is that he is getting older and time for us in this beautiful world is running out as each year passes. We now have a dilemma, a dilemma many people would face if they love what they do and just can't let go.
We decided to reduce the work load by selling one farm. The agents came out and were blown away by the beauty of the farm itself so took masses of photos using a camera and drone. It was all looking good, like something might happen but the old boy will not sign the approval for the agents. In his heart he just can't let go.
It has been his life and passion for so long that letting go is simply too difficult.
Sometimes we have to let go of one thing to be able to experience something new. It reminds me of the story of the man who slipped when walking close to the top of a steep cliff., he falls, and manages to catch hold of a branch. He is hanging on to the branch and calls out for help.
God answers him: "Now, here's what I want you to do. Listen carefully."
"I'll do anything, Lord. Just tell me what to do."
"Okay. Let go of the branch.""What?" "I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go."
There was a long silence.
Finally Jack yelled, "HELP! HELP! IS ANYONE ELSE UP THERE?"
It is so hard to let go when you can't be sure what the resulting consequences will be.
The Big Dilemma
The big dilemma is that I want us to travel and explore this beautiful world of ours while we still can., while we are still physically able and healthy enough to enjoy it. Friends have suggested I should go on my own but the funny thing is I love this wonderful man and I just can't leave him home working hard while I am off seeing the world.
The other issue is that if we don't let go and hang up the boots, the right to make that decision might be taken right out of our hands.. It was a fire that took my business and forced me to rethink my future. My new direction was Wealthy Affiliate, which I am loving too. If you want to check out WA hit the link below
Who knows what it will be for him but my question is When is the best time to hang up the boots or in fact should they be hung up at all?
Do you have any thoughts to help resolve this issue.? I would love to hear from you,
Recent Comments
9
Thank you Happy2Learn You are right, I would never ask him to give up farming altogether, it has been a big part of his life for too long now. But I would just like him to wind back enough for us to take some holidays while we are still fit enough to enjoy them.
He is a lovable old man but can be very stubborn.
Thanks for commenting
Hi Judy thanks for sharing a little of your story. At least you would have one farm to fill your days with. Good luck with the decision.
Thank you Shirley. I know I am right but he equally has the right to continue doing what he loves so it is a dilemma. I am sorry to hear you are restricted to a wheelchair as it does limit where you can travel. We are still relatively fit but I know as I see so many friends coming down with various illnesses that it may not last. I am blessed to still have him around so I really have to wait until he is ready.
Thank you so much for your comment. Bless you heaps
Judy
Judy, you are thinking right - waiting too long can take that choice right out of your hands. I'm 64, retired and in a wheelchair. It is hard for me to travel and now it looks like I will be foregoing "seeing the world". Sometimes we need to take the next step before we can't anymore. - shirley
I love your story... Thank you for sharing and asking the question. It is definitely hard to let go for sure. However, if he is not ready, you may not be able to persuade him otherwise.
You may want to plan your stuff any way. Whether you go go or not may be another thing. Perhaps, plan something small first and have fun planning it. Maybe, when he sees you having so much fun he may want to join you sooner than later.
I think perhaps he wants to be inspired for him to let go...
Just a thought --
Thank you for your thoughts Haroda. He is not easy to influence but I will try. . I don't think he sees how old he is when he looks in the mirror, he is in total denial, thinking he can still work like a 40 year old. I am sure there are many others like him.
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Hi Freisia,
When you really love something, it is always hard to let go of it. I do agree with you and believe that we should enjoy each and every day that the Lord has given to us.
And, you are right on ... do it while you still are in good enough health! My mom is in a wheelchair and it breaks my heart to see that she cannot do many of the things she did just a couple years ago. Plus, she has some other health issues, with cancer and major heart issues. Yet, she is doing well, and survived, even though the doctors' prognosis was very dismal. I know it's only because of Jesus that she is alive today and doing okay!
Freisia, if you really WISH to go traveling (I love to do this, too!), I think you should. We cannot change other people. In this case, it is your husband. Perhaps, you can get someone to help him with your farm while you travel. It is not being selfish because we each need to do the things we enjoy and desire to do (and sometimes it does not include that special someone).
Pray about this. I will also pray for you and your husband to have peace about this.
Warm regards,
Cathy
Thank you Cathy, that is such a thoughtful response. You are obviously a Christian and so am I and I guess that is partly what makes it difficult. I cannot bring myself to go without him and feel I really should be here to support him. I think he is getting a little closer to making that big decision but it wont be easy for him.
I am sorry to hear about your Mums health issues. Prayer is powerful and God wants us to be well so He has also provided some wonderful plants to heal our bodies. I am building a website around this.
You can see it here https://herbsfromheaven.com/ There are some very good videos to explain the power of herbs in healing.
I hope you find something to help your Mum there.
Thank you again
Judy
Thank you, Judy! : )
I have prayed for both you and your husband! I believe you will find peace with this.
Blessings,
Cathy