Respite, Renewal and Here we GO!

Happy Spring!   The milder winter offered some relief for those of us who don’t enjoy the cold and snow as much as others.  I took time off this winter.  If I’m being totally honest, I was really worn out from last year. Not in a worn-down kind of way,  but just plain-tired. 
 
I am learning to prioritize the importance of respite and renewal.  I know I must model this in order to give other people permission to do the same.  It’s also the catalyst to be able to maintain momentum for the responsibility and activities we roll out each year. 
 
This year is no exception.  I am motivated more than ever to create a place where people can find some respite and renewal.  I was recently honored by a collaboration of the PA Farm Bureau, 4H County Council, the Columbia County Conservation District, Penn State Extension and the Natural Resource Conservation Services Agency with the 2023 Educator of the Year Award.  I am humbled.  Grateful.  Emotional.  All those things wrap up my response. 
 
That recognition has now fueled my fire and renewed my enthusiasm to continue to plug away at building strong relationships in our community and schools to engage students in agriculture education.    I needed the reminder that it does matter.  Here’s why:
 
Agriculture offers respite.  (Yes, there are farms and agriculture experiences that are exceptions to this, I think first and foremost of our dairy farm friends), but the land and the trees demonstrate the intentional magnificent design of our Master Creator for a season of rest.    
 
Agriculture life is the exact definition of renewal.  Every year that Master Creator orchestrates decay and then renewal through new life and growth.  It is the beautiful process that we literally touch with our hands. And for those of us who are involved, it touches us to the core of our souls. 
 
When the sun warms up the farm around me I feel that sense of renewal building up so strong inside of me.  The respite of winter was exactly what I needed to prepare for the renewal of our new season. 
 
This year I hope you can step away from whatever chaos surrounds you, whatever weighs heavy on your heart and visit us here on the farm.  When you do, look around and see renewal at it’s very best.  I hope it inspires you and creates a space for you to find a little respite and renewal for yourself.   
 
Always grateful for you,
dB

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