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When people ask me what life on the farm is like, I usually smile before answering. It’s not always glamorous (there are weeds to pull, water lines to fix!), but it’s a life that continues to shape us, ground us, and point us back to the simple joys God has woven into each season.
This past summer has reminded me once again why I love the farm lifestyle.
The long days, family teamwork, slow mornings in the Word, and the laughter of friends around our table all came together to create a season full of peace and purpose. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share a glimpse of what life on the farm looks like for the Johnson family.
Here’s What Summer on the Farm Was Like…
If I had to sum up this summer in three words, it would be: team, friends, and peace.
Team because our family came together like a well-oiled machine. From preparing for camp to keeping up with the endless chores, I watched my kids step up and work side by side in a way that would have made their Daddy proud. There’s something powerful about seeing your family move as a team and watching everyone use their unique gifts to get the job done.
Friends because this summer was overflowing with community. Being surrounded by people we love, whether for a weekend at camp or an evening of volleyball in the yard, is one of the greatest blessings of this life. The laughter, shared meals, and stories told after dark are the things that make the hard work worthwhile.
Peace because the farm itself has a way of calming me. Even though I’m not up at sunrise (I’ll admit that freely!), the mornings still greet me with geese flying overhead and birds chirping nearby. By evening, the sunsets shine down on the hayfields and mountains in a way that makes me stop, breathe, and remember who made it all.
Life on the farm in the summertime is busy, but it’s also a reminder that peace doesn’t come from a lack of work—it comes from gratitude and presence in the middle of it all.
Family Farm Traditions That Bring Us Joy
Of all the things my kids look forward to each summer, Camp Dwight is always at the top of the list. What started as a small family camp has grown into something extraordinary.
This year we had around 1,200 people come together on our property to serve one another, praise and magnify the Lord, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Camp Dwight was named after a family friend, but now it carries even deeper meaning for us.
Other summer traditions include high jumps into the pond, Fourth of July and birthday celebrations, afternoon tea, leisurely walks around the block, spontaneous obstacle course competitions, family volleyball games, and afternoon picnics with the girls.
These traditions remind us that while the chores are constant, the purpose of this lifestyle is far greater than keeping up with the to-do list. We’re cultivating rhythms that nourish the soul.
Daily Farm Chores and Routines That Keep Us Grounded
Speaking of that to-do list… What story about farm life would be complete without talking about the chores? Living in the high desert means there’s always something that needs watering, repairing, or reviving.
After a long winter, sprinklers need to be fixed, flowers planted, and fields brought back to life. The girls and I spend plenty of time watering flowers while the boys rotate water across the fields and keep up with mowing. Weeds are another constant battle that we all participate in.
And then there’s haying season. From moving wheel lines to mowing, raking, baling, and stacking, haying is a project that takes the whole family and our wonderful neighbors to pull off. It’s hard work, but it also leaves you with a deep sense of accomplishment. I was so proud of Burnell, our oldest, repairing equipment and working with the machinery like a champ! As my father-in-law likes to say, it’s “an expensive way to keep a front yard.”
But amidst all the chores, there’s a rhythm to farm life that grounds us.
Our mornings start slowly, usually with quiet time in the Word, which sets the tone for everything else. Then it’s food, food, and more food. With a family our size (and lots of guests), it seems like we’re always cooking, eating, or heading to the store to restock.
The girls love their afternoon teas and picnics, so we try to sprinkle in those little rituals whenever we can. Family meetings help keep us on track with projects, making sure we chip away at things a little each day. It’s a full life, but it’s also a deeply satisfying one.
Peace and Play on the Farm
When the days get long and overwhelming, I have a favorite spot I retreat to: the little bridge near our hayfield. I bring my Bible, my journal, or whatever book I’m reading, and I sit and soak up the wide sky, basking in the simple sounds of nature.
Scripture tells us that “the heavens declare the glory of God,” and I feel that truth every time I sit on that bridge. A vibrant sunset or sky full of fluffy clouds is enough to calm my spirit and draw me closer to Him.
When I’m not working or enjoying peaceful time, there’s plenty of play going on! On hot days, the kids find relief in our irrigation creeks, ponds, or local swimming spots like Steelhead Falls. The trampoline by the dock has been a hit this year, providing hours of laughter and splashes.
Cooling off in the water after a day of farm chores is one of those simple pleasures that never gets old. These moments of rest and play remind me that balance is essential. The farm is a place of hard work, yes, but it’s also a place of refreshment, joy, and togetherness.
What I’m Most Thankful for This Season on the Farm
Looking back on this past summer, one word is front-and-center in my mind: thankful. Here are just a few of the many things I’m thankful for this season:
- Joy and laughter echoing across the yard.
- Teamwork that kept projects moving forward.
- Friends who joined us for camp, games, and flower-picking afternoons.
- Little things, like watermelon on a hot day, frozen juice pops, and watching the girls arrange flowers with their friends.
- Big things, like watching my kids grow in character and responsibility as they help on the farm.
- Fun activities like volleyball, pickleball, and obstacle courses created by Ty.
Each piece of the puzzle adds to the bigger picture of a season well-lived. And through it all, I see God’s goodness and provision, reminding me once again that life on the farm is a gift.
Why Farm Life Will Always Have My Heart
At the end of the day, farm life isn’t just about chores or sunsets. It’s about how this lifestyle shapes us as a family. It teaches us the value of teamwork, the importance of slowing down, and the joy of community. It points us back to God’s creation and faithfulness in every season.
That’s why life on the farm will always have my heart. It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not always easy, but it’s full of purpose. And in a world that often feels rushed and complicated, the simplicity of farm living is something I never want to take for granted.
So whether I’m sitting quietly on the bridge with my Bible, watering the flowers, or cheering on the kids at Camp Dwight, I’m grateful for this life and all the lessons it continues to teach me.
What about you? Do you have your own version of “farm life” in a place or rhythm that brings you peace and purpose? I’d love to hear about it — drop a comment below!
