A friend of mine recently wrote about the contrast between what our devices demand of us and what Christ freely gives. Screens demand our attention, but Christ offers rest. Technology drains, but His Word restores. It made me reflect on how important it is to step away — into the real world of worship, into creation, even into the simple, repetitive work of the farm — where His gifts are so clear.
I saw a clever reel of a man reading his Bible instead of scrolling on his phone during mundane moments — cooking, walking, or lying in bed. It was a comical but pointed reminder of how easily we trade the life-giving for the meaningless and distracting.
While I was in church this past Sunday morning, I thought to myself how very glad I was to be there with my family — what a blessing it is to regularly confess our sins and reflect on our misgivings, but also to not be left there. We are built up again by others and by the very Word of God. Amazing grace indeed.
As a child I often resisted church, but as I’ve grown and more fully understand my very real human condition, church has become a lifeline. I love the rhythm of confession and absolution in worship — it truly is the recalibration my soul needs. The world clamors for our attention, but the voice of our Good Shepherd calls us by name. That difference makes all the difference.
Perhaps this desire for connection to the real is why our family has taken to gathering around a fire most evenings. The flame mesmerizes, the stories spill out, and for a little while the noise of the world fades away. It’s a small but steady reminder to slow down, listen, and recalibrate.
That same rhythm is woven into our farm. Raising animals, tending the garden, and sharing food with our community are all ways we stay grounded. When you bring our milk, meat, and other farm foods to your table, I hope it gives your family a taste of that same slowing down — a reminder of what really matters (I’m literally listening to the score Concerning Hobbits while writing this; the playful emotion of the music has me all sentimental so bear with me).
In the coming weeks, our family has a unique opportunity to take this mission to a larger stage. Benjamin, the kids, and I will be leaving our little farm to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives in person about the Farm Bill. Thanks to support from Americans for Family Farmers, we’ll share our farm’s story and advocate for small, regenerative farms — ensuring families everywhere have access to an abundant, healthy food supply. It’s a humbling reminder that the work we do on our farm matters far beyond our own pastures.
My prayer for you this week is that you find moments to soak in reality — in worship (go to church!), in creation (take a walk!), or in the company of those you love (truly see them). May you hear His voice above the noise, and may it guide you in the rhythms that truly sustain life.
Grace and peace,
Leah Matzke
Flickering flames, crickets, and stories shared — evenings like this echo the rhythms of our farm, helping us step away from the noise, slow down, and reconnect with what’s life-giving.
