Reflections of our truck and our life.

As Mr. J and I moved about the farm with morning chores, we heard a persistent low “mooooo” from Dude, our steer. His bawling tells us that there is not enough grass in his pasture, and he is expecting us to resolve the situation. Our grass is greening, but we are not at the spring flush so we decide to haul out the last roll of hay from the barn to keep our small herd happy for another week.

This roll of hay weighs about 600 pounds and requires some maneuvering to get it from the barn to the bed of the truck. But we have polished our technique over this past winter and work well as a team.

I drive the truck to the pasture, position it at the top of the hill, then Mr. J gives the roll of hay a heave-ho setting it on an unrolling path down the hill.

We then walk the length of this unrolled hay to spread it out.

While tossing hay here and there I pause and think:

Who would have thought.

Who could have predicted twelve years ago when we bought this truck that we would use it to haul rolls of hay to our cattle. In Tennessee.

Who would have thought we would be right here, right now, with this truck, in this field.

We had a vision when we bought the truck. We had a plan for our lives.

We knew we would pay it off and keep it for many years. It needed to be able to carry our three boys comfortably into adulthood.

We wanted the option of towing a trailer for camping.

And maybe at some point we would need the four-wheel drive to go off road.

Our truck has done this and more.

This truck has served us well.

It has carried soccer gear, ski equipment, and surfboards.

It has hauled loads of compost and fruit trees for my gardening exploits.

It has worn the license plates of California, Virginia, Nevada, and now Tennessee.

When we bought this truck in 2011, we could not have anticipated being on a farm in the South. It never occurred to us that Mr. J could earn a living working remotely with a computer and phone. Who would have thought that this truck would one day haul pigs and sheep to our own homestead or pull felled trees out of the woods.

God has a plan. He nudges. He guides. And if you are lucky, you can see a few steps ahead on your journey. But most of the time we just bumble along.

When I look back, I can see how we were gently positioned to be right here. Right now.

Truly amazing.

Who would have thought.