We live in a fascinating, unique area of the country. Not only do we live surrounded by the rich heritage and history of the Appalachian mountains, but we live in a valley that gets winds so intense, meteorological teams flock here specifically to study the phenomenon.
We get frequent wind storms with pretty sizable wind speeds, so much so that every homesteading decision we make must take this into consideration.
From chicken tractor and coop designs, to fencing and garden placement, to the materials we are choosing to build our home and barn with, everything must be incredibly secure and built to withstand hurricane force wind gusts and rainstorms that rival the rainforests.
When we plant in the Spring, I watch the tiny sprouts fight to stand tall during storms. The wind blasts them from every angle and they bobble about like those wind tunnel balloons you see in front of gas stations.
Our orchard has many trees whose twigs and branches are thrown about by the force. The leaves are ripped from the branches easily in the Fall, usually after one good storm.
Still these plants thrive. They grow strong and tall, and bear more fruit than we ever imagined.
How can this be?
Because Mother Nature is so wise. She knows what she’s doing.
Our plants and trees form deep roots that are strong and sturdy, and hold them up when the storms roll in. They know these roots, that cannot be seen, are a great protection to outside forces.
They learn to bend and flow with the breezes, adapting to them instead of standing rigid and cracking under the pressure. This flexibility also assures the winds won’t be able to uproot them.
I find there’s no better metaphor for life than nature. And this makes perfect sense, since we are One. Every time I reflect on the wonders of God’s creation, I’m in awe of the connections.
Like the plants we tend, we are forming deep roots. As we struggle to adapt to homesteading life, living in a RV, and the changing world around us, these deep roots help us stand tall, grow strong, and resist the winds of fear swirling around.
Every time we overcome a hurdle on this journey (and there have been many) we form stronger foundations with the land and each other, and build our resilience to the storms life throws at us.
As the winds of a lost world try to force us to and fro, hoping to uproot us and knock us over, we stand confident in our beliefs and values. We know we are firmly planted in nourishing soil and tended to by divinely guided hands… and we will not break.