The Old Faithful Farmer

It was planting time in the year 1955. This poor old farmer who lived alone, because his wife died of cancer a year before, took a lot out of him, causing him to look underweight but it never took away his interest to continue to plant. He loved it and he also enjoyed sharing it with his neighbours. The  neighbours could hardly wait for harvest time because his garden was always big and beautiful  because he spent most of his time in it.

Everyone likes old Mr Waldo. He was kind and good hearted. He went to church when he could, because sometimes he didn’t feel that well. The odd neighbour would come help him in his garden when they had time and he never forgot to thank them.

As he was working in his garden today, Wilbur came to visit him. 

They were friends from school and just about the same age.

“Hello Waldo, how is your garden coming along?”

“Good and once I get these onions in I’ll be done.”

“I love onions,” Wilbur told him.

“Yes, and you can eat them with anything. My wife used to put them in leftover potatoes and make hash,” Waldo added.

“Oh yes, I love them that way,” Wilbur said, as he put his hands in his trousers pockets. “So Waldo, do you think you will have a good crop this year?”

“If we get the rain we need,” he coughed.

“Have you noticed we haven’t had very much rain?”

“Well, it’s only early yet. It will come.”

“Last night, there were people talking at the store that we are heading for a dry season.” Wilbur told him.

“The weather man doesn’t always know what they are talking about,” Waldo remarked.

“We’ll just have to wait and see. I hope we get rain. I hate it when my well dries up. Would you care to go with me to the coffee shop, now that you’re done with your garden? I’ll pay.”

“Not this time Wilbur. I think I’ll go and relax a while now that my garden is put in.”

“Okay, Waldo, talk to you later. Good luck with your garden.” 

“Thank you. Come again.”

Waldo thought about what Wilbur told him about the dry weather coming but he thought it was too early to worry yet.

Two weeks passed and no rain so Waldo carried small buckets to the garden because he didn’t want to hurt himself, carrying heavy ones. As time went on, there was still no rain. The neighbours came to help him but his well was getting too low so he had to quit.

“What are you going to do Waldo if it doesn't rain soon?” one of his neighbours asked.

“All I can say is, God knows our needs. He’ll send it.”

“You sure have faith, Waldo.” Wulbur told him.

“That’s all we have, when we have nothing else.”

As time went on it still never rained and the plants started dying in need of water. Wells were drying up.

Everywhere Waldo went people would say, ‘Waldo, what are you going to do if your garden doesn’t get water soon?’ Waldo would just hunch his shoulder and act like he wasn’t worrying.

After he left to go home he could hear people saying, “I think that man is thinking God is going to pour down rain because he believes he will.” Then the people started laughing. That hurt Waldo but he only knew a few at the place he just came out of and they never go to church and God tells him to pray for them.

When Waldo got home there was a letter nailed to the door. When he opened it he read and it told him his sister Mildred and her husband were coming to see him and if he didn’t mind she would stay a while. He was glad they were coming  to see him. He hasn’t seen them since the funeral of his wife. Before he put his things away he bought he knelt down in front of a chair to pray.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

           As you know I have planted a big garden and it hasn’t rained for nearly two months. My garden is not growing  like it should. Please send some rain to help it grow. There are neighbours who are waiting to get a share, please send the rain.

Thank you”

It seemed God was trying his faith because it went on another week and no rain.

While Waldo was sitting at his table with his chin lenning in his hand, Wilbur walked in.

“Good morning Waldo. Have you been praying? If you have it’s not working.”

“Time means nothing to the Lord. If he thinks I shouldn’t have a garden then so be it.”

“If I were in your shoes I wouldn’t pray at all.” Wilbur told him.

“We can’t only remember God in good times, we have to remember Him in our bad too.” Waldo said, as he poured Wibur a cup of tea.

“What are you going to do if you lose your garden?”

“I’m not worrying. God has always looked after me and I know He won’t let me down.”

“Waldo I can’t get over you. Sometimes I wish I could be like you.” Wilbur said, getting up to leave. 

“I’ve told you many times you can trust God, no matter what.”

“Well, that’s your belief. I had to get a truck to bring me some water for my well. Okay Waldo, see ya later Waldo.”

After Wilbur left Waldo once again got on his knees. 

“Father, I beg you, please send some rain. I’m not the only one who needs it, my neighbours do too. My garden is looking so bad. I don’t think it’s going to make it. Please, Lord help.”

Just as Waldo was getting ready to have his supper he saw a sprinkle on his kitchen window. He was so excited he left his supper and went out and stood in the pouring rain. “Thank you Jesus, Waldo cried as he raised his hands toward the sky. “Thank you so much Jesus.”

Waldo turned around, hearing a crowd coming up the hill.

They all shouted, “It’s raining, Waldo. They all clapped and danced in the rain. “It’s a miracle.”

“It’s a blessing!” Waldo shouted.