Old Barns

I was driving to Clarinda Iowa last Monday. Clarinda is a small city in Southwest Iowa not far from the Missouri border. It is nestled in the rolling hills that are marked by their landscaped terraces. Like most towns in this part of the country, Clarinda is surrounded by farms.

As I was driving along State HWY 2, I began to notice a number of old barns. I suspect most of these barns are in the area of one hundred years old. Some of them, most of them actually had been taken care of with varying levels of effectiveness. Some however had been badly neglected. What a shame. These are the barns that have served to house the industries that have fed the world, these majestic icons of Americas fruitfulness and the blessings of God, falling into such a state as to be rendered useless.

I began to notice a pattern in the barns that were in bad shape. It seemed that invariably the roof was the first to go, more specifically the side that faced the west. I suppose this is because our weather patterns bring storms from the west sweeping east, so that is the face that receives the most stress.

When the roof began to fail, the corresponding outside wall would collapse inward. The easterly facing side of the roof was intact, as were three of the four walls, but the one side of the roof, and the one wall which had fallen transformed this once useful structure into a hazard for any who would venture into it. I saw this pattern in three separate barns, it seems there is a lesson here.

Having spent most of my life in a management position of one kind or another, I understand the importance of proper leadership. When the roof begins to collapse, it will almost always take a wall with it, causing the entire structure to become useless. We must realise that though the roof is important, it is supported by the walls on which it sets. It is an awesome responsibility to be 'The Roof', a responsibility that is too oft looked at in terms of the privilege it carries instead of the function it is to fulfill. The roof protects the walls and all that is inside.

Having said that, it should also be noted that those in position of leadership NEED the attention of others. Specifically on the storm ward side. We must lift these people up and meet their needs to ensure they are kept in good repair.

A properly cared for barn can last several lifetimes, one that is neglected will fall to the ground, destroying all that is in it.

Jim