Right Timing

After we decided to sell our farm, our grandson, Collin, asked me, “Papa, when did you decide to sell the farm?” I responded, “Before we ever built our home on our land.” That response had to be explained to Collin, and later to other family members.

We bought the land in our late 50s, so when we purchased the acreage and started designing the house we knew that at some point in the future we would not be physically able to maintain the farm and the big house we were building. One does not know how much the body begins to deteriorate after 60 years of age until they experience it. We discussed this thoroughly, and then we decided that it would be worth the investment of time, sweat and sacrifice to build a destination place for our grandchildren.

The decision was made to build a house that could accommodate a large family and to build a farm that the children and grandchildren would enjoy even if we only lived there for 10-12 years. We had two of our four children and their families living overseas at that time, and we would have room for them to live for a few months when they came back to the states.

The layout of our home and our farm met not only our needs and desires, but it was a respite for family and friends for the 15 years that it was ours. We are settled in our new home now. It is much smaller, but it is on one level and is easily accessible for two senior citizens. Plus, Allison and her family have built a home right next door to ours!

It was not easy to release our farm, but selling it was the right thing to do at the right time. There was some delayed maintenance on the fences and barns while we spent several months living with my mother in Mississippi during Covid. I was increasingly having to hire someone to help me maintain the farm and care for the animals. We prayed about the timing of selling the farm, and the Lord affirmed to us that we were within His will concerning the move to town.

 God’s timing is always perfect. We will never be perfect with our timing, but as we walk with the Lord, worship Him in a right relationship with Jesus Christ, and pray that we will make decisions according to His will, then we can discover God’s timing.

Years ago, some “chosen family” members, Brian and Aimee, gave us a beautiful framed rendition of Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Even amid difficult circumstances, we can trust that God is working all things together for our ultimate good and His glory. Our timing is never perfect. God’s timing is always best, and in believing that and living that we begin to understand the importance of waiting on the Lord and being patient for His timing. Waiting can be tough, yet it is frequently necessary for growth, faith-building, and receiving the best outcomes according to God's plan.