Faithfully Yours - Speaking of windows
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- Published on Thursday, October 23, 2014
By Neil Strohschein
Have you ever noticed how one word in the English language can have so many meanings?
To a homeowner, “windows” are the holes in the wall, filled with glass, through which you look to see what’s going on outside. The more you clean them, the dirtier they seem to get. They attract finger and hand prints from grand kids, nose prints from the dog, cobwebs, etc.—all of which require frequent removal.
To a computer operator, “Windows” is an Operating System for personal computers. In business and government, Windows is the OS of choice. But to some (mostly Apple iMac users—one of which is the publisher of this paper so I have to be careful what I say about these people), Windows is a cumbersome OS that is prone to security breaches and bugs. Considering the number of updates I receive each month for my Windows computer, I tend to agree.
To a farmer however, “windows” are the periods of time in each calendar year when certain tasks must be completed if the farmer is to harvest a good crop and sell it at a fair price. There are “windows” for pre-tilling and fertilizing, spring planting, spraying and harvesting—the last of which usually ends around Thanksgiving weekend. If we happen to get a few weeks of good weather after Thanksgiving (like we have in 2014), those are not extensions of the harvesting window—they are bonuses that Mother Nature decided to give us.
Those who raise cattle have similar windows. Calving needs to be completed by a certain date if the calves are to reach the size and weight required to be sold in the fall. The first cut of hay needs to be baled by a certain date to ensure a good quality second cut. And so it goes. Fifty years ago, an ad for New Holland balers put in print what farmers know they have to do: “Make hay when the sun shines, make haste when it doesn’t.”
The same is true in business—and in life. No one understood this better than Jesus. He was always on duty—always ready to meet with those who had needs and do what he could to help them. “I must do the work of the one who sent me while it is day,” he told his disciples. “Night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
Many years ago, I listened to a talk being given by a very courageous young lady. She spoke about lessons she had learned in her 19 years of life. “The first lesson I’ve learned,” she said, “was to live each day as though it’s my last—because one day it will be.” There is much wisdom in that statement.
As you go through this day, use every opportunity you have to encourage or help those God brings across your path. Don’t let fatigue or a full schedule hinder you. Those you can help today won’t be there tomorrow; and you will have missed out on some richly rewarding experiences.
PS—On behalf of my wife Kathryn and myself, I would like to express heartfelt condolences to my “page mate,” Rita Friesen and her family on the recent passing of Rita’s husband, Ed. Ed was a fine gentleman, a devoted family man and a good friend to many with a genuine faith that impacted every facet of his life. He will be greatly missed. Please be assured that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you his comfort and surround you with people who care.
