Bull Dozers, Ponds, and Happy Jesus Saves Us Day!

I’m not so sure he knew the value that would come out of the piece of equipment he had just purchased. For a man who made his living by finding deals and still being able to resell at a value, he had just made his best purchase yet. George had found the D6 dozer sitting on a ranch not too far out of town. The giant yellow CAT was as gently used as the dirt it was made to push. That wouldn’t slow George down one bit. In fact, he had big plans for this dozer.

His son Jeff had just purchased a little land outside of town. The half-mile road to his country home was mostly mud and low-lying. It was an off-roader’s dream. Not so much for a new homeowner. However, George and his new dozer had a plan. Friends would often say, if you wanted to find George, he would be out at his son’s house, on his dozer, pushing dirt rather than papers in his office. He had full faith his son could run their business while he took his grand-daughter with him to move the earth.

It was thirty years ago to the day that my grandad, George, and my grandmother, Nancy, passed away suddenly in a tragic plane crash. I was not quite three years old. People ask me what I remember about them often. They were well known and well liked in the area. The neat thing is, I’ve been able to watch my grandad through my dad over the last thirty years. Instead of packing up, he fired up the dozer, his plane, his business, everything they had together and continued moving forward. I grew up watching my dad continue to carve the ponds in the North Texas heat after every work day. Preparing for when they would one day fill back up.

Eight years ago my wife, Tabby, and I was given a chance to build a house not far from where my parents live. I thought it would be an excellent chance for me to help my dad with the land while also getting to live in the country. (I’m sure he is so glad to have my muscle now!) When my dad and mom asked us where we thought we would like to build, Tabby already had a spot in mind. She pointed to an area, and the next day after church, we saw it was already cleared off with grandad’s dozer sitting proudly.

I would spend the next year learning the dozer and pushing more dirt and rocks than I thought humanly possible. The drought became so bad at one point even after we had moved into our house, that the pond in front looked like a moto-cross “X-games” pit. It was rough. Tabby was less than impressed. Instead of giving up, I learned from my dad that you keep digging regardless. For quite a few reasons, I’m glad I listened.

The pond in front of our house is more than just a pond to me. To many, it probably seems silly to attach sentimental value to a machine, and I would agree. Don’t get me wrong, the dozer is very cool, but its what it has taught me that I value the most.

The year 2010 was a pretty sad sight. I remember seeing various dystopian movies of a dried out, parched earth and wondering if they had filmed them in our yard when we were out of town. Tabby later told me that I spent so much time on the dozer cleaning that pond out she thought I was ridiculous.

I’m not going to lie and tell you I’ve always been a ball of sunshine. I’m still not always, but before the last few years, I was efficient at splashing water on anyone’s optimism if they got to close. For some reason though, even when the local weathermen were calling for us to become the next arid desert, I held out a hope that rain would come when God wanted it to arrive. All I could do was what I could, and I remember thanking Him for the opportunity to dig the pond deeper.

I think looking at the state of the ground forced me to either become an optimist or sink into a depression. It was so pitiful that at one point, as the last bit of water was evaporating into the sky, that the dozer went over a little six-foot diameter puddle and countless cottonmouth snakes started snapping at the tracks. That was not a scene that inspired hope. I’m confident now that God was teaching me in those moments

You can probably guess that the pond did fill up. What is more interesting to me is the timing of everything. Around the time my health “drought” was starting, the pond filled up not only full but to record levels. We had grass in our yard. Mostly anyway. And our yard, front and back, received a “total yard makeover” that is better than you’ve seen on a tv show from our church family. That in itself was an amazing episode of God saying, “I’ve got you covered. (God’s version of smiley emoji.)”

What the heck are you rambling on about this pond Wade? Well, if you read the about me page, you can pretty much accept that as the terms and conditions. But, you’ve made it this far, and I think I should bring it together for you as a thank you.

This pond isn’t my doing. I was born on third base, and I don’t pretend like I hit a triple or anything. I’m blessed in many ways but especially to be able to live on family land and have an old family dozer to drive. I don’t need a pond to remind me how lucky I am, but it is a beautiful reminder while I’m here of my grandad and his love for digging something that could be passed on to generations. I’m glad that while I was able to do so, I learned the dozer, and contributed my little bit. In the end, though, there is nothing I could do to make something as beautiful as what I think it is today.

Same with this mess we each deal with on a daily basis. The best thing we can do is lower our shoulder, clean out the unnecessary dirt in our lives, and pray for the rain. Think of those around you when you hit the days you don’t feel like doing the work needed for yourself. I’m thankful that God picked now to give me the gift of perspective.

Ironically, I complained and complained for months about my condition to God. “Jesus, you don’t get it!” I would whine. “I’m young, with a family, prime of my life. I know you say you understand but I’m only in my thirties, and I move like someone 2 ½ times my age!” Something dawned on me shortly after my last complaining session. I will be thirty-three in just over a month. Jesus was thirty-three when he was killed for healing the sick, calling people to turn from sin, and saving the world.

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”
Jesus in John 16:33 ERV

Jesus knows the kind of garbage we will get to deal with in life. That is the world in which we live. Broken homes, broken bones, broken feelings, broken everything. He gave us Himself as the answer.

“but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” Jesus in John 4:14 (NASB)

I want a well springing up inside of me, and I will attest Jesus was not exaggerating in any way!

Most importantly, and like my grandad, dad, as well as all of my grandparents and family have shared with me, I want my children, my friends, and those whom I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, to know of the hope and awesome life Jesus brings. We can’t affect what happens to us but we can affect how we react. In a world that is struggling with violence, abuse, neglect, and selfishness, it is an opportune time to cling to and follow the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Remember the world killed Jesus. Following Him does not bring a perfect life but it can bring peace like none other. Odds are, whether billionaire or penniless, tall or short, male or female, in this world you will have trouble. The decision you make to follow Jesus won’t just affect you, but the wellspring will be a blessing to the generations after you. Jesus is more than worthy. Happy Easter!