Sandpoint READER
July 3, 2024. Page 8
Dear editor,
Picking up rocks. What can be learned from picking up rocks? I have spent a fair amount of my spring and early summer picking up rocks in the old field. Softball-sized rocks, mainly, that I can toss into the tractor loader bucket. An occasional rock the size of a volleyball. And several times a rock too large to lift, whereupon I set the tractor bucket flat on the ground and roll the rock into the bucket.
At the edge of the field I dump the load of rocks among the accumulated piles from generations before.
I’ve learned a few things from these solitary and very physical hours.
Rocks are kind of like problems — there are small ones, medium-sized ones and occasionally ones that are too big to lift by myself and require additional resources.
Rocks are kind of like people — they come in many sizes and shapes and personalities. Some are stubborn and stuck in the dirt. Others can be moved with determination and encouragement.
Manually picking up rocks reminds me of the history of this place, my home and farm. The accumulated piles of rock from a century of farming speak to the vision and strength of multiple generations.
Each of us contributes our faith and energy and love.
We all add to The Rock Pile at the field’s edge.
Steve Johnson
Cocolalla