Holding on to Hope

Being a farmer is a wonderful thing. In farming we get to live into the natural rhythms of the earth, learning to live our lives by the seasons. We always know that the dark days of winter will transform into spring. Spring is always an exciting time for a farmer or gardener. Each year we have the opportunity to witness and participate in the rebirth of life from what was dormant; what seemed dead is miraculously brought back to life. At the farm now we see tiny buds on all of our trees and shrubs beginning to swell with potential. The bees in our bee hives are coming out to explore and look for the earliest spring flowers, daffodils, crocuses, wild trout lilies and soon our Cornelian Cherries will offer their nectar in exchange for pollination. 

As life springs forth from the ground this winter, many of us also recognize that it’s coming three weeks earlier than it should for our part of the country. When I was a child, twenty years ago, March was said to “come in like a lion and go out like a lamb.” This meant we always had heavy snow storms early in the month and sunnier, warmer weather as we neared April. As climate change has increased we no longer get snow in March, at least not much. This winter is particularly worrisome for farmers, gardeners and anyone doing work in natural ecosystems. In years past our soil would freeze down to three feet underground. This freeze would reduce the number of spring insect pests, rodent pests and disease. This winter the soil didn’t freeze more than a few inches at the top and never for more than two or three days. Pittsburgh had one snowfall of about three inches that melted quickly. This drastic change could have major consequences for our gardens, farms and especially native ecosystems.

But, we are people of faith. At Garfield Farm we continue the work of planting trees, caring for our animals, teaching children, and expecting that our work will be multiplied by the work of God among us. We really can’t push forward during times of anxiety and fear without a great hope in bigger plan and purpose creation. As people of faith we hope in a Creator who continues to work with, in and through creation. As people of faith we believe that our tiny efforts to restore land, soil and natural ecosystems will be met by the Creator with grace and mercy, bringing to completion the works of love that we have begun.

Keep going. Keep loving people. Keep loving this beautiful creation. Keep feeding the hungry and caring for the orphan. Keep hoping with great expectation that an in-breaking of the Kingdom is coming, even during these uncertain times.

At the farm, we’ll be doing what we do best, growing food and teaching others how to do the same. We’ll also be looking into ways we can participate in a greater way in what I like to call the “great-transition” - the shift of our culture to zero-carbon-earth-honoring systems of restoration and regeneration.

We hope that you’ll consider finically supporting Garfield Community Farm as we continue to demonstrate and teach the intersection of caring for people and caring for creation.