There is Just Something About an Old Red Barn

There is just something beautiful about an old red barn.

On the property we purchased few years ago sits an old red barn. The barn is weathered and imperfect, falling apart in a thousand little ways. We know the cost to restore it would be too high, we could likely build brand new for half the price. Yet there is still something about the barn that I can't help but fall in love with every time I see it. The glory of its old structure welcomes me to it like an old friend.

I can only imagine the stories that old barn could tell me, if only it could find the words. The barn has endured years of standing tall in the weather, enduring the hot sun and storms that have refined its beauty by way of worn edges. The boards are tattered, much like the wrinkles on the face of an old man or woman that has earned their wisdom with fierce grit and grace. The old barn was once full with cattle and hogs, and a farmer and his family tending to the daily work that came with caring for each one. The loft was once stacked to the brim with hay, it's strength continuously tested.

Sure the barn was likely perfect in it's day, likely a red beacon of hope to a family farm that depended on it's protection to sustain them. But since then, there have been a lot of years that have brought harsh winters and howling winds. The summer sun has scorched down on the red paint and the rain has caused the tin roof to tarnish and weather with rust. The old barn now leans, looking tired and worn thin. Yet still it stands tall.

The beauty of this old barn is hidden in it's imperfections and the years of tatter and wear. Only harsh weather could produce such beauty that remains in this old barn wood. The dry spells, the harsh storms and even the sunshine too all helped to create it's weathered look. It isn't perfect and when I look at this barn, I know it's life wasn't an easy one.

Farmers are much the same and that is why I love them so much, especially the older generation. I can appreciate the stories of the storms the have stood through and the harsh seasons they have withstood. I respect the strength that was required to see every challenge through. I admire their commitment to the land and their animals because purpose, selfless love and service to others is the foundation they stand firm on. To me, that is the definition of 'the good life'.

The hard work, the hard days and the sunny ones too, all have played a part in molding them into the perfectly imperfect people that they are.  I look at their calloused hands and their tired, worn faces and think to myself, "now THAT is something really beautiful"!

Friends, the next time you pass an old weathered barn (or an old weathered farmer), please take a moment to stop and admire the beauty in the life they have lived. They most certainly didn't 'earn' their weathering from an easy life free from harsh conditions.

One day our old barn may no longer be standing and similarly, an old farmer's time will come to an end too. But we can love and appreciate them both (while they are here) for having lived a good and honorable life of hard work and steadfast service to others.

There is just something beautiful about an old red barn (and an old weathered farmer).