Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Fallow Land...fallow times



I was an adult before I even questioned what the word meant. Fallow.

My paternal grandfather owned a parcel of land--woods really--to which he referred to as "fallow field". During my childhood and adolescent years I always assumed it was just my grandfather's nickname for the hundred or so acres that he owned in Monroe County Alabama.

When I was about five years old, I accompanied my Daddy and grandfather to "fallow field". Often times they would just ride out there and look around. At the time it was densely thick with trees, underbrush, and weeds. A tiny path would take that old black Ford pick up truck throughout the property.

As we went along, the path became more narrow and before I knew it the tree limbs were coming inside the cab and the little black truck started plunging in and out of huge holes. And then we got stuck. And that's when I began to bawl at the top of my lungs. Apparently, my Daddy wasn't too concerned about our present dilemma as he was filming me with his new 8mm camera throughout my melt down.

I was a child of the city. I was accustomed to sidewalks, street lamps, people, and traffic. Thick woods and lonely, tiny pathways were quite foreign to me. I was scared, I was not going to stop crying and I wanted to go home.

Funny how things stay with you into adulthood. To this day I am not very fond of the woods, I get kinda scared and I still wanna go home. I try not to cry. Even traveling for long periods of time on wooded highways give me the heebie jeebies.

Fallow describes land that is not planted with crops, in order to improve the quality of the soil(Cambridge Dictionary).Farmers would sometimes leave their land untilled for a period of time in order for the nutrients in the soil to replenish and renew.

Fallow also describes a period of time in which very little happens. A state of inactivity.

The Lord has been teaching me about "fallowness".

I've been listening--ever so carefully.



"Be still, and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)

15 comments:

Forsythia said...

I have grown to appreciate "fallowness" in our woods in Ohio. My mom used to get really upset with my husband because he valued "fallowness" in our suburban yard as well. We have a woods behind out house where he can let things be, just the way he likes to.

Finding Pam said...

Debra, this is such a hauting post today about fallowness. I was a city girl and I can relate to your thoughts on this subject.

Through the years I have come to enjoy the quietness of the country and the woods.

I love all the nature and the critters that I see in the woods.

I know what you mean about God teaching you about fallowness. It never ceases to amaze me how He knows just what we need.

I have found a beautiful new blog named a holy experience. I post the blog on my side bar if you want to read one woman's incredible life with the Lord and her family.

Rose said...

Debra, I would like to think that during the times I feel empty (fallow) that I am being renewed. Praise God. Love this post!

Brenda said...

You poor thing! And your dad taking pictures of it...I'm sorry, but that is kinda funny.
I guess that term in modern day farming times would be something like crop rotation? Letting a field rest between crops.

Susan said...

Wonderful post, Debra. I must admit I'd never taken the time to look up what the word actually meant. Glad you are being nourished.

Travis Cody said...

I do enjoy the woods in the daylight. I'm not quite so fond of them at night. There are so many shadows and strange noises. I grew up with city noises. I know what that sounds like. I get a little nervous when I can't identify the sounds.

This is quite a nice parable for the state of your life at the moment.

Anonymous said...

Debra, this is a post filled with so much! I pray that all of your readers can 'hear' the Holy Spirit through the words you penned here. I can't help but wonder if that's why I prefer 'fallow' land and the wooded areas? Oh may the Lord replenish and renew us as we 'wait' and listen.
Looking forward to you sharing what it is you 'hear'.
Blessings and prayers and hugs,
Deb

Pat said...

This post is so full of wisdom, nothing fallow aobut it.
I can relate to your childhood video, and the new camera, my dad was pretty good with his too, LOL!
I will never look at fallow ground the same way again, thanks for the lesson.

Maxine said...

This was so interesting! Love hearing stories about people when they were little. And I never heard this word before.Well, I'[m learning too, then.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I'm not sure at what age we begin to realize this, but I now know that the fallow is sure not my favorite place to be.... BUT... it never lasts, He is preparing something new in us and for us. He is doing that right now in your life and your hubby's. Keep listening! Something beautiful is ahead. :)

j said...

Awesome lesson. God is teaching me about obedience right now. I'm glad to be learning, but I have to admit the lessons aren't always easy.

Hugs Debra!

Deborah Ann said...

You have a beautiful way with words, Debra! I think I am the opposite of you. I LOVE the woods...it's the city that scares me. I'm sure, like you, I have some bad memories that come to surface. I don't mind being in a big city, I just don't want to live there. Great post!

Mimi said...

HI DEBRA!!
I see 2 stories here, one about fear and one about waiting and obedience to God. I too have fears from a childhood experience, it does indeed stay with us for life.
I also have been trying desperately to Listen to what GOD is saying to me.
I love the stillness when he and I can talk and I love his gentle taps along the way.
Hugs 2 U my sweet friend,
jamie

Grayquill said...

Good post - Heebie jeebies huh? haven't heard that for a while - but regardless, there is a reason for those feelings.

Mimi said...

HI!!!
Just making sure you aren't sick, just a blog break????
Miss your writing!!
Hugs,
jamie