Local flowers make the perfect back to school gift for those amazing teachers. We will have the farmstand stocked next week with small and large jar arrangements. Swing by to grab one for your kid's teachers!
To many people, Ray Jones was a successful businessman and community leader. But if you had asked Grandaddy how he'd like to be remembered, I don't think he would have started with any of those accomplishments. He would have much rather talked with you about his Savior, his family, his country, farming, turkey hunting, or Auburn football.
Before heading to his office downtown each morning, he would almost always stop by the farm office to see what was happening—not only with the animals or activities, but with the people. After more than eight decades here on the farm, his passion never faded.
One of Grandaddy's greatest gifts was preserving the story of this place. Much of the history we've shared this year has only been possible because he took the time to write it down in his book, The Farm in Jones Valley. He understood that preserving our farm means preserving more than fields and fences—it means preserving its stories and its people.
That love for people wasn't simply something he wrote about; it was something he lived. Many of the families we recognized last month loved “Mr. Ray.” Over the years, he preached the funerals of several of the very people who had worked beside his family for decades. Their relationships had long since grown beyond employer and employee. Since his passing, I've heard countless people say that he was like a father to them. He had a remarkable way of making people feel genuinely valued.
Some of my favorite memories are of him telling stories and teaching my boys how to hold baby chicks and pick ripe corn off the stalk. He had a way of turning ordinary conversations into lasting lessons. And if he picked up his Ukelele, everyone nearby was likely to gather and listen. His music sessions are still some of my favorite memories of him (click below if you'd like to enjoy one too).
He was never too busy for a child, too important for a conversation, or too accomplished to encourage someone else.
And if you knew my Grandaddy, chances are you have a similar story of your own.
Where do our faces turn from morning till night? In good times and in bad?
Psalm 121:1-4 says:
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The sunflowers have reminded me this month where I need to keep my eyes - looking up at the one who supplies my every need.
The true “Sun” is our ever present help, our sustainer and provider, the maker of heaven and earth.
And if the flora and fauna of the earth can remember that, maybe I can too.
As always, we would love to hear from you; please reach out anytime. We are so grateful for your support and thankful we can enjoy a life made more beautiful by flowers and farming.
