The farm has a way of being both wonderfully busy and deeply quiet, all in the same hour. This past Friday was exactly like that. After a week of heavy rain and squishy boots, the sun finally decided to stay for a while. We spent most of the day moving from one task to the next, just trying to keep up with the rhythm of the land and the needs of our many feathered friends.
By the time evening rolled around, the air had finally cooled. The humidity that often clings to a May afternoon in Ohio had lifted, replaced by a gentle breeze. It was the kind of evening that invites you to slow down, even if your to-do list says otherwise. We decided to take a moment to breathe and just watch the life happening all around us.
A Lesson in Musical Coops
Earlier in the day, the farm felt a bit like a game of feathered Tetris. We call it "Musical Coops," and it happens whenever our younger flocks start outgrowing their spaces. The chicks in the garage were ready for a change, and our baby Seramas and Silkies needed a field trip to the real grass.
We spent hours organizing the moves. The Silkies and little Seramas are so tiny that they don't need much room yet, but they certainly appreciate the sunshine. We even used the lid from a cage as a temporary play area for the smallest ones. They scratched and pecked and chased after tiny bugs with so much enthusiasm, it was hard not to smile.
We also spent some time helping our neighbor, Abbey. Her family serves in the military, and with her husband away for training, the grass in her yard had gotten a bit ahead of her. We spent several hours mowing and sweeping, making sure everything looked neat and tidy for her. It was a small way for us to say thank you for their service.
As a bonus for our girls, we hauled the fresh grass clippings back to the coops. Mercy’s Coop and The House of Joy were thrilled with their "landscaping" gifts. They spent the rest of the afternoon spreading those clippings through their runs, acting like little feathered workers.
The Boys and Their Watchful Wait
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we parked the mower near Mimi’s Coop. This is where our Brahmas live, including King and our newly named young rooster, Prince. Brahmas are such regal, steady birds. They don’t do much in a hurry, and they always seem to be deep in thought.
While the chickens finished their evening foraging, our two supervisors, Milo and Panda Bear, found a comfortable spot under the cedar trees. Milo and Panda Bear were quite worn out from their day of inspecting the farm.
They weren't just resting, though. They were waiting. They had their eyes fixed on our neighbor Stacy’s yard, hoping their friend Victor might come out to play. Even when the farm is busy, those two always have time for their friends. They sat there with such focus and patience, barely even noticing the other wildlife moving around the edges of the yard.
An Unexpected Guest
That was when we noticed him. A small wild rabbit, the very same one the boys had chased earlier that morning, came hopping out from the brush. Instead of scurrying away, he stopped right along the edge of the chicken run.
He didn't look scared or hurried. He just sat there, twitching his nose, and watched the chickens. The flock didn't mind him at all. They kept on scratching and pecking, moving right past him as if he were just another member of the family.
For a long while, they all just shared the space. The chickens, the rabbit, and the dogs waiting under the tree. It was a beautiful picture of the peace God provides for all His creation. In that moment, nobody was worried about the unfinished greenhouse or the sunburn we had accidentally picked up while mowing. There was just the cool air, the soft sounds of the flock, and the quiet presence of our Creator.
Simple Blessings and Busy Hands
Even in the middle of our reflections, the farm's work continued in its own gentle way. We had a wonderful surprise when a neighbor we hadn't met before, Oksana, stopped by with a stack of egg cartons. We are always so grateful for those, as they seem to disappear as fast as the eggs do!
We made sure she didn't leave empty-handed, sending her home with a dozen of our fresh, pasture-raised eggs. It was a lovely way to start a new friendship. Later that evening, the eggs were truly flying off the shelf. One customer stopped for two dozen, and another for seven dozen!
If you're looking for fresh eggs for your weekend baking, feel free to reach out to us at 📞 513-607-1317. We’d love to help fill your fridge with something healthy and local.
One Step at a Time
By the time we finally headed inside, the boys were ready to curl up and sleep. We realized that even though several projects were still waiting for another day, the day was exactly what it needed to be.
We had helped a neighbor, cared for our animals, and made time to notice the small, extraordinary peace that God tucks into an ordinary Friday evening. It was a reminder that we don’t have to finish everything at once. We just have to take the next step and trust that He is already working on tomorrow.
Tomorrow will bring a little party for Grandpa’s 80th birthday and more chores to do, but for tonight, we are content. We are grateful for the sun, the grass, the neighbors, and even that little rabbit who reminded us to just sit still for a while.
We hope you find a moment of that same peace this weekend, wherever you are. Whether you're sitting on your porch or just watching the birds from your window, may you feel the quiet care of the One who watches over us all. 🤍
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
( Galatians 6:9)
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