Why is farming our vision and why does it matter?
Genesis 2:15 states “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it”
From the very start of creation, God intended for us to be in a garden and to be caring for the land we are placed on and in.
In Genesis 1:9 we see God saying “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food”
He goes on to give this command in Gensis 1:28 –
“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth”
Once again, prompting us to care for every living on Earth.
In Genesis 9:3 the Lord says “Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.” This directive came after the flood. Prior to the flood humans were only to eat plants, however, the earth’s fruitfulness has been diminished after the flood occurred.
We can see in all these verses that God provided all the sustenance in what he put on his Earth to sustain us human beings from creation and forward. We also see many parables in the Bible pointing to gardening & farming. While farming is still prevalent, the use of natural herbs, plants, and meat hunted and harvested by one’s own hands, is not something most of us do on a continuous basis anymore. We have prioritized convenience over the healthy provisions the Lord so freely gave.
Now listen, I love me some Taco Bell as much as the next person so please do not feel shamed by any of this. I am simply stating, maybe it’s time we truly consider what processed foods and big pharma is doing to not only our health but the health of our children as well. What better way to teach our children to care for our bodies then to get them outside doing the things God has established for us?
Gardening and Farming can establish and encourage life skills needed well into adulthood. I have seen my son practice more independent skills through our homesteading efforts than in any other setting. The outdoors in a sensory haven for him. From watching the chickens cluck around, to the feeling of the leaves and the grass, and the smells of the flowers and watching rain fall. You can see his peace when he is outdoors soaking up the sun, barefoot, and playing in dirt. He loves to dig in the garden and dig up the plants with the dog as well. Whoops, I was only supposed to tell ya’ll the good things. But we have seen him engage with us so much when he is outside on the homestead.
So what about farming & gardening is healthy?
The aspect of being outside first and foremost is something our bodies we’re intended to do. We we’re created in a garden ya’ll.
Did you know depending on where you are located in relation to the equator determines when you can access Vitamin D from the sun? Here in VA, we can only receive adequate Vitamin D from the sun April – October. Why does Vitamin D matter? Vitamin D supports bone health, immune function, muscle strength, and hormone regulation. When we spend time outdoors gardening in the morning or midday our body’s production of Vitamin D gets the boost it needs.
Digging in soil can stimulate serotonin production and act as a natural antidepressant through beneficial soil microbes like Mycobacterium vaccae. Walking barefoot can also expose your body to these microbes which in turn reduce anxiety and improve your mood.
All the physical activity involved in gardening is mostly low impact, helping our metabolisms stay moving and improving flexibility and strength for years to come.
Then there are the benefits of growing your own food. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits all have a higher nutritional content. The fresher, the better. Eating fresh picked fruits and veggies provides our bodies with more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, helping us to stay healthy. Fresh picked produce often tastes better as well as the flavor is the strongest right after picking.
Right from the beginning, we see God’s intention for us was to be in a garden. This was not mistake. We are excited for all that is to come with Distant Light Ministry and our mission of creating Distant Light Acres, providing access to healthy living exactly as God intended.
