My Embarrassment: Being a Farmer’s Son
We were all handed these school diaries in my primary school days.
The idea was simple. Write down your homework, get your parents to sign it daily to prove you did it, and maybe scribble a note to the teacher if they have any pressing information to inquire about.
But the real gem of the diary?
The first page. Personal biodata section.
Since I don’t have my old diary, let me show you my sister’s version. The format hasn’t changed much over the years.
So, Let’s Focus On That One Serious Entry
FATHER’S OCCUPATION. This was no trivial detail.
In my class, kids proudly recorded their dads’ prestigious titles, from brilliant engineers to visionary architects.
If your father’s job sounded impressive enough, you earned instant respect. Even the teachers might think twice before scolding you. Who’d want to reprimand a lawyer’s kid?
And then there was me. Sitting there, sweating bullets over the fact that my beloved father was a FARMER.
I finally worked up the nerve to put it out there one day. But the reaction?
A room full of gasps and my teacher’s wide-eyed stare, as if I’d just confessed to some dirty, low-class profession.
I could almost see her thinking, “A farm? In the city?”
So, what did I do? Like my sister, I took the easy route and opted for the more generic “Business man.”
But then came the follow-up question: “What kind of business?”
And there I was, spinning tales just to fit in.
I often said my dad was an accountant, conveniently leaving out the part about how he’d exchanged suits for muddy boots, a farmer’s hat, and cows.
But Today?
I can’t think of a better job!
Constantly connected to nature, happily tending to dairy cows, and without the constant fear of deadlines or dealing with an annoying boss.
Instead of being supervised, you’re the one supervising.
You can take afternoon naps whenever you want, chat with everyone you wish—not just during lunch breaks—and so on.
It’s like reconnecting with Adam, who pioneered humanity’s first occupation. Farming was the work that allowed him to see God’s loving yet simple character up close.
This work even prepares you for the life to come when Christ returns, where we’ll all be connected to the earth once more, just like Adam.
This reflection inspired me to ask my father what lessons he’s learned on his farming journey.
I’d love to share these 8 with you because they’re lessons we can all apply to our Christian walk.
Lesson #1
The farm is not a holiday camp where you choose when and what to do. The farm is a military camp where you should follow all guidelines, be alert, participate, and do the right thing at the right time — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Realizing that our youth is crucial for shaping our characters is overwhelming.
Past youth, we apply the knowledge we’ve gained from books, people, experiences, and the wisdom life teaches us.
This isn’t a phase where we can skip to the good parts and make our own rules; it’s more like a boot camp that instills the essential principles we need to live by.
The Devil knows this truth well.
Seeing the energy and ambition in young people, he subtly lures them into bad habits that confuse and ultimately destroy them in this life and beyond.
Your mind is like fertile soil, and you have the power to cultivate it.
The forces of light and darkness may try to influence you, but it’s up to the wise farmer within you to stay vigilant and actively engage in the battle for control over your thoughts.
Lesson #2
You will never be successful if you want to farm like everyone else. Always try to be different, from planting dates to harvesting times. Incorporate new knowledge as much as you can and work with new people every time — Romans 12:2
The road of sacrifice is often less traveled, and you shouldn’t expect a cheerleader to carry your burden alongside you.
Instead, you’ll likely face a crowd of skeptics who will doubt your high ideals.
Christ reminded us, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
Visionaries in positions of trust and influence might see their ideas buried and forgotten.
Healthcare professionals who heal bodies, minds, and souls could face intense scrutiny for their methods.
And those who manage to stay free from corruption may find themselves leading modest lives, far from the luxury of their dishonest peers.
Just as a successful farmer chooses his tools and builds strong connections, we, as followers of Christ, must be intentional in our faith.
We need to wisely use the tools of prayer, scripture, and fellowship, embracing Christ’s teachings and strengthening our relationships with other believers as we face a world that challenges our values.
Lesson #3
Always be focused and determined. Don’t be solely profit-oriented. Remember that some things are driven more by passion than the urge to make profits — 1 Corinthians 10:33
In the debate on who Jesus’ favorite disciple was, some think Jesus had a special place for John, the group’s sweetheart.
Others suggest it might have been Judas, whom Jesus tried to redeem despite knowing the darkness in him.
While Christ’s love for us is equal, He can see who loves Him more.
It’s not about how many hours you spend in church, the size of your offerings, or whether you choose a life of seclusion.
The true measure of love for Jesus is shown when someone rolls up their sleeves and humbly reaches out to the lowest in society, just like He did.
Similarly, true happiness doesn’t come from chasing dreams, material possessions, or relying only on yourself.
It’s about being selfless, even when others don’t deserve it. Simply put, it’s about emulating Christ.
Lesson #4
Be ready to share your farming skills and knowledge with others. That way, you will have time to research more, and people will be willing to share their secrets with you — Philippians 2:3-4
This quote from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari prompted me to reflect deeply on the true meaning of sharing.
It made me reconsider the overlooked verse, “He that watereth will be watered.”
Sharing isn’t about expecting something in return or hoping for a reward from Heaven. It’s much deeper than that.
It’s about the unique joy it brings, much like humility in the Christian life.
Love flows from God to us, and as long as we have His love, we can always share it.
Even if you’re broke, you can uplift your neighbor, and if words fail you, your joyful presence can still inspire hope.
This is what it means to be replenished and “watered” by God.
Lesson #5
Mama told me, “Sometimes the whirlwind will be so strong that it will try to uproot you, but always remember lesson #3.”— John 16:33
Lesson #3, taught by the farmer, is vital because troubles are a constant in life.
We must stay focused and determined to overcome these challenges and live for others.
This mindset turns our troubles into golden opportunities to reach out and make a difference.
Christ invites us to journey with Him through life’s difficulties.
He promises inner peace amid the chaos.
Having triumphed over a sinful world, He can free us from the darkness and despair that weigh us down.
By trusting in His scarred hands, we can rise above the burdens of sin and sorrow in this world.
Lesson #6
To be a successful farmer, you need to concentrate on at least 1 to 3 activities. Doing more at the same time can be boring sometimes and may involve too much involvement — Proverbs 4:25
An insightful paper titled Why is it so hard to do my work? introduces the concept of Attention Residue.
It explains that our attention doesn’t entirely keep up when we jump from one task (let’s call it Task A) to another (Task B).
Instead, part of our focus lingers on the previous task—our brains being a bit too clingy!
Regarding productivity, the key isn’t just how much time we spend but the intensity of our focus.
This idea applies not only to work but also to the pursuit of meaningful goals.
Our calling urges us to stay focused on the righteous path as individuals guided by a higher purpose.
If we let our attention drift toward the world’s trivial distractions, we risk losing our way and falling into the traps.
Lesson #7
There will come a time in life when everyone will look at you and say, “Through you, I have seen light in farming.” Never boast about that; put in more effort until they say, “Through you, I can now expand my territory and employ more people.”— Jeremiah 9:23-24
Ever heard of the Pareto Principle?
It’s the idea that 80% of our results come from just 20% of our efforts.
Loyal repeat customers. Although they make up only 20% of a company’s customer base, they generate 80% of their profits.
Similarly, Jesus’ mission to spread the good news of God’s Kingdom by preparing the 12 disciples, made a huge impact.
He’s wasn’t just going from city from city to evangelize.
He intently invested His time on the handful of disciples, knowing His divine influence will be enough for them to disseminate the goodness of God to the whole world.
As His ‘repeat customers’ we must reflect His teachings and live out His message.
Then, we should dutifully share it with others, extending His invitation to the rest of the world.
Lesson #8
My son, always remember you’re not successful until your successors succeed — 1 Kings 8:25
As we wrap up these 8 lessons, remember: We’re paving the way for future generations and making a difference.
Let’s take inspiration from those who came before us, such as Apostle Paul, Martin Luther, Ellen White, and others who inspire you.
Your mom’s doing her bit, and your dad’s going above and beyond.
So, step up, walk with God, and put in the effort.
The future achievements of those who come after us depend on how much heart and hard work we invest today.
Let’s make sure we leave them something. To give others too.
