Guest Post from My Husband Bill

What’s on my mind: Change? 

After 15 years of being in business, I am taking a job working for someone else. On March 3^rd it will be 15 years since the adventure started. I started with just a red pickup, a Craftsman toolbox, and a little 300-gallon hydroseeder which my wife forwarded me the credit to purchase on the one condition that I had an initial job already lined up with adequate profit planned in it to repay her completely without carrying debt or interest. Because of that sound business support, Land Saver began debt-free without even any capital funding. 

The truth is my heart hurts a bit or maybe it is just the bitter taste of pride. Either way (or both) it stings a lot. Dreams are things that power our spirits when we are young and turn to wisdom as we get old. The dream for a successful business did not go as I wished, but as God predestined, and he was perfect in the placement of this in my life. There are many things that I wish were done with clear sight and peace, that would have made life less stressful for my beautiful wife Rebecca and others around me. I am not totally quitting Land Saver: it still needs to continue to help provide for our family and take care of the obligations I have made to others. But it will no longer be the focus of my days. My primary responsibility will be elsewhere.

Today I drove by some trees my Dad and I planted about 14.5 years ago. That day was a nice one, spring time at its best. The soil was almost solid rock, and we had to beat out a place to put each tree. I remember that we commented about how they really did not stand a chance in the poor conditions we were placing them. But today the trees stand about 20 feet tall and look strong. So this reminded me that just like the trees, we to must grow even in hard soils, setting deep roots and a firm foundation. My hair has lost the glossy look of that day and carries much grey. My back is tired. Dad is not the work horse he once was. But my roots are deep in the ground seeking the nourishment that God put there for free to help keep us strong.

So just a thank you to my wife Rebecca, my kids, Dad, Joe, and the rest of my family who have given their time, hearts, money, prayers, and constant perseverance to me over the years. And I especially thank all the customers and friends who allowed me to earn a living doing what I love. To all my hard-working boys that served me so faithfully over the summers and years: you blessed me. Stewart, Ben, Andrew, Collin, Andrew, Cooper, Luke, Grant, Thomas, Nathan, Eric. I learned from you and the character and work ethic you showed. Most of you were ready-made men. Just add a little sweat and some calluses. And I especially thank Josh Clark, who has been my main man and a faithful friend to me and to Rebecca, and long-suffering “Uncle Josh” to our girls the last three years through the hardest of times.

And most of all, praise be to Jesus, for he carries my yoke when I am weary.

As I end this thought, I am so very thankful for the job I have been given and the encouragement that I am still suitable to keep dreaming.

With sincere thanks to all.

Sincerely,

Bill Cochrane