Nothing Runs Like A Deere

It is God who arms me with strength
 and keeps my way secure.           

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;                                                                                     He causes me to stand on the heights.  ~ 2 Samuel 22:33-35

     A few weeks ago, our family went to Virginia to visit my Mom and Dad.  One morning during our stay, Dad asked Anthony if he would mow the lawn.   Anthony does not mow our lawn because of a tricky hill, so this was not something that he had done before.  Anthony agreed reluctantly and looked a little apprehensive.  I have to admit that I was, too.   We might have a tricky hill, but Dad has a water canal in his backyard.  I had visions of Anthony driving the lawn mower over the sea wall and into the bay.

Mom and Dad

      I followed Anthony and Dad to the garage.  Dad rolled out the John Deere ride-on mower, with matching hat.  Anthony climbed aboard.  Dad explained the pedals and shifts.  I hoped that Anthony was paying attention, because I was totally confused.  Finally, Dad told Anthony to power it up.  Anthony turned the key, and nothing happened.  The three of us looked at each other.  “Try it again,”  Dad yelled encouragingly.  Anthony turned the key again.  The John Deere remained silent.
     “Did you break it already!”  Dad yelled jokingly.  He told Anthony to get off and slid himself into the driver’s seat.  Dad turned the key and the mower started up with a vroom.  Dad climbed off and it stuttered to a stop.  Anthony got back in the hot seat.  He turned the key again.  Nothing.
     Dad figured it out.  Slender Anthony did not weigh enough to meet the safety requirement that allowed the mower to start. I slid onto the seat.  Insultingly, the machine started right up for me.  Anthony slid onto the seat as I carefully shifted my behind off.  As advertised, the John Deere continued to run.

      Anthony faithfully mowed the lawn for his grandfather.  The John Deere hat flew off as he increased his speed.  To my great relief, Anthony did not drive into the water.

     John 6 tells us how Jesus fed five thousand people with a young boy's lunch of five small barley loaves and two small fish.    Do not underestimate yourself, no matter how small or slender you are. There are no lightweights with God.  Little becomes much when we place it faithfully in the hands of Jesus.

Look carefully, and see a double rainbow.

     Paul wrote to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  Do not neglect your gift,"  ~1 Timothy 4:12-14
You can read more about our past trips to Virginia.
     Fishing Isn't the Same As Catching
     Father's Day
     Return to Me

Update:  John Deere has in no way paid me to mention their product.   They do not even know who I am!