High Points,
Low Spots
Charlie Earl
Most of our
fields here in northwest Ohio are flat….pool-table flat. There are some near
our rivers or creeks that have a “little bit of roll in them.” In addition there are a few ridges caused by
the massive glacier when it was either pushing southward or receding back to
the north. Even in those fields that appear flat to the naked eye, there are
subtle variations in elevation. Each field has its high points and its low
spots. Each one has sectors that drain water quickly, and others that “puddle”
or retain moisture longer.
In every
movement, every life or every endeavor there are high points and low spots. The
high points are generally more “worker-friendly,” because they do allow the
task to progress much faster following a storm. The offending (and often
needed) rain strikes with force but the slope and resiliency of the high point
carries it away toward the low spots. Breezes and warmth from the sun on the
higher elevations join with the run-off to ‘wring-out” the higher points in the
field. If one observes a field closely, you can detect the difference in
evaporation and drainage rates in a matter of hours following a downpour. While
the high points may be farmer-friendly, it is the low spots that feed the family.
The
abundance of moisture in the lower sectors of the field extends the decaying
process and generates additional organic matter. In addition the runoff from
the higher points brings nutrients and top soil with it and as it settles in
the low spots the richness of the soil increases. The high points get much of
the attention because of their early readiness, but the low spots are the areas
that produce the bounty. Just like much of life the low spots often become the
most useful and productive.
When it appears
that we are inundated, overwhelmed or drowning, the rich nutrients of
experience help us to transform the low spots of our lives or movements into
highly productive and fruitful elements. The high points are encouraging
because they may allow us to bask in the sun while conflict runs off and
dissipates. The low spots are where the greatest yields emerge. It is the low
spots that continue to produce when the high points are dry and less
productive. Our yields as individuals are often determined by how we manage our
low spots. Using the richer soil of experience and the strength we gain from
patiently waiting for the more productive soil to develop will often define our
production.
Charlie Earl
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