In the military, there’s this concept called “embrace the suck,” which is defined as To consciously accept or appreciate something that is extremely unpleasant but unavoidable. I think that this is a concept that can relate to all of us in our daily lives. “Embracing the suck” was a surely a part of the folks in the Midwest Farm country during the 2019 floods. Copious amounts of melted snow and rain overwhelmed the riverbanks in our countries breadbasket, turning so many of the area’s crop fields into lakes for weeks and even months. For ranchers in the area, there was incredibly devastatin loss to their herds due to the floods occuring during many peoples spring calving season. While reports are still unclear to the extent of the loss, some ranchers report to have lost up to 200 head from their operation.

However, when “embracing the suck,” part of what gets us through to the next phase is the belief that things will get better. Obviously this time is devastating and its hard to see past the present. But our actions and attitude in tough situations will dictate how we will move on. We never know how soon our situations may improve

According to yesterday’s USDA Crop Progress report, 64% of Nebraska’s corn crop is rated good-to-excellent and 72% of the soybean crop is good-to-excellent.

Near Grand Island, Neb., scout and Iowa farmer Brent Judisch says the corn and soybean crops are excellent. There’s no sign of hail, wind or any other Mother-Nature induced damages.

In the Missouri Ozarks, I’m a long ways from the flood plains of corn country. I can’t imagine the devastation that these farmers and ranchers in Nebraska, Kansas, the Dakotas, and other flooded states have endured. But reports like the one I shared with you above give a little light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel. I’m sure there are still folks who experienced massive loss who are not seeing the projected yields stated above. But it is still comforting to know that even through the adversity that some have faced, there is good news coming out of these tough times.

I can relate my own experience to the drought of 2012. I’ve spoken about this in previous posts, but the summer of 2012 was a trying time for our family ranch. An exceptionally dry spring matched with record high temperatures in June sent us into the worst drought, according to records, since the 1950s. I remember driving into scorched fields with loads of hay to feed and a cloud of dust coming from the cattle scampering toward the feed. I will never remove that image from my head. I thought that it would never rain again and we would be forced to sell all of our cattle. I remember praying every night for rain. I remember the droves of cattle heading to our local sale barn every Tuesday to be sold for discounted prices. I remember the church prayers always including asking for rain, even from non farmers.

But guess what, something happened soon after. It rained!!! A hurricane formed in the Gulf of Mexico and made its way up to Missouri, dropping a blessed 2″ of rain in early September. Things began to green up soon after and it seemed like no time and we were back to normal.

No matter if you farm or not, we all experience floods and droughts in our lives. There are times that seem so dire that we don’t think that we will live to see past them. There are times when we are doing all the right things that we feel that we should see the fruits of our labors come to pass. However, we must practice extreme patience in these difficult times. The book of Job gives an account of a righteous man who faithfully responded to difficult trials. Job’s experience invites us to ponder difficult questions about the causes of suffering, the frailty of human existence, and the reasons to trust in God, even when life seems unfair. Throughout all of his trials, Job retained his integrity and his trust in God even when another suggested that he “curse God, and die.” We must take a lesson from Job that if we endure these trials and “embrace the suck” we will be rewarded in the end.

How have you endured trials and tribulations? How have you been blessed for your patience? Please leave a comment and engage with your reactions. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog today. Like always, I encourage you to subscribe to and share my site!!

Thanks again,

Jason