Lessons From a Country Farm Girl – Tractor Driving

This little country girl loves to drive the tractor, any chance she gets. She’s big enough to work the clutch and brake pedals of the old tractor, while I am nearby if she needs help. This tractor is not a modern one with the latest bells and whistles. No, it’s a gear-grinding model that was made overseas, during the time cellular devices and Global Positioning Systems were still in their infancy. Operator comfort was not high on the priority list in the design; however, it’s a tough, character-building machine. With a loader on it and a nine-year-old in the captain’s chair, you are sure to make it happen.

Using the clutch and brake at the same time, is a feat for someone her size. While grasping the steering wheel in a white-knuckle grip, and standing on the clutch and brakes, she successfully brings the creature to a halt. However, the lack of comfortable amenities does not detour this half-pint from wanting to drive any chance she gets. Whither it be hauling dead branches or working in the barns; she’s game to go. For now, Dads often a rider, except when she’s driving for him in the barns.

The other day the two of us were working in the barns. She was driving, while I was throwing things into the loader. By now she’s got turning the tractor around at the end of the barn figured out. As she backs up and gets ready to roll, she says. ” Dad, what gear?” I hold up three or four fingers. Occasionally it’s, “Dad which way do I turn the wheels?” The gears grind, and with a lurch she’s rolling again, while I walk alongside taking care of what needs to be done.

Looking out the end of the barn we glimpse mom in the truck heading for the mower. Either it’s stuck or out of gas. Because we were living in a rain-free environment, the latter seems to be the likely answer. She and I follow on the tractor to lend a hand, and she expertly guides the tractor to the rescue, enjoying every minute. Mission accomplished; I instructed her to back up the driveway between the barns while I walk. This she accomplishes quite well, exploring the grass on both sides. With a big grin, she shouts to let me know she can’t back up straight. Once again, I indicated to her which way to turn when she comes to the parking lot at the front of the barns. She made it and did a great job! It did not matter that it was not completely straight; she’ll get that down pat in time.

I was reminded of a similar lesson I have never forgotten which I learned when I was about her age. My dad and I were helping our neighbor, who was a dairy farmer, haul off a manure pile which had accumulated over the winter. I was driving a tractor with a spreader from the pile to the field and back again. As I would back up to the pile to be reloaded, I found that I could not back straight and was constantly correcting. This neighbor man gets off his tractor, comes over to me, and with a smile tells me if I do not turn the steering wheel so often and sharp, I would be able to back up easier. I have never forgotten his advice. I think of it often when I am backing up a trailer and it has been very helpful. I am sure if he was still alive, he would not remember giving me that little piece of advice. It’s amazing how that little bit of advice has stayed with me for a lifetime.

This reminds me so much of my relationship with God. I try to live for Him but my track record shows it has not always been so straight. I wander from side to side, exploring both ditches. I often have to look to Him and ask which direction to turn the wheel. Sometimes I feel like I am getting good at Christian life, only to find I am off in the grass of pride and offense. Then I get back on course only to find I have veered off into sharp words. I stop, reverse directions until I am back on the road, apologizing for the unkind words, and I am off again. I can feel my Lord’s smile from time to time as He guides me along, turning first this way and then that way. Sometimes He rides along with me, telling me how much He cares. He puts His hand on mine from time to time to steady the wheel. Other times He is not too far away watching me go on in faith. Sometimes I panic! I jamb in the clutch and mash the brakes in fear, not daring to drive another inch. He sees me stop, comes over and in the quiet beside the road we talk about my fears and misgivings. The tears fall as I feel how much He cares. Soon I start the engine and inch my way forward, on down the road.

There are other times when He stops me and shows me areas, He wants me to change. Attitudes and spirits that have attached themselves to me which hinder my ability to serve Him and others. However, the way He brings it does not feel like I am a bad person, but rather it comes mixed with His love. When He is done working in my heart, I cannot really explain what happened. My heart becomes humble, mixed with love, peace, quietness, and courage to make the necessary changes. So different is His way of working, than the worthlessness and shame that Satan brings.

This little half-pint does not draw back when it comes to operating the tractor. It’s, “Dad, can I drive? ” So, dad gets it started and maneuvers it out of the shed so she can drive in relative safety. In time she will not need dad’s help anymore but will be able to do it on her own. Isn’t this much like our Heavenly Father? If we allow Him, He is right ready to help us navigate the tough spots in life.  As young Christians He does not require that much from us; His grace covers our inexperience. Later, as we mature and grow in our experience with Him, He may give us more responsibility, expecting more from us. However, no matter how much we grow, we will never become completely independent of Him. It will take a continual flow of His grace into our lives to save us. Without his presence in our lives, would be akin to operating a tractor in the dark without lights and expecting perfect results.

Many times, I want to draw back from the challenges and difficulties I face in my walk with the Lord. I wonder how much better it would be if we would place our confidence in the Lord and ask Him for responsibility? Much like asking if we can drive the tractor. Back in the Old Testament, Caleb came to Joshua and said, “Give me this mountain.” Joshua 14:12. It did not matter to him that it was a stronghold of the enemy, he had confidence in God.

God does not give us more than we can handle without Him. In many things He gives us His grace to go forward, and He takes over in the tough spots we go through. I know I will never learn to drive straight in Christian life on my own. However, I do know the Lord is a faithful, loving guide, ready to help as soon as I allow Him to.