Beast of Burden
By: Kyle Richardville
Many years ago, I was lucky to be part of a bible study in college where we investigated the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. The book of Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, along with the book of Job, Proverbs and many Psalms. It is a wonderfully deep and powerful text written by one of the richest, most powerful and wisest men who ever lived, exploring what makes for a joyful and purpose-filled life. In other words, the guy had everything the world tells us will make us satisfied. And what did he have to say about reaching the mountaintop of human achievement and wealth? “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
This verse, along with the rest of Ecclesiastes, catalyzed me to start writing a book for young adults exploring these topics in a more modern context. The fictional story, Beast of Burden, was the result. The main takeaway of Beast of Burden is the same one that old King Solomon concluded in Ecclesiastes all those millennia ago: despite what the world constantly tells us, living life to accrue more stuff, more fame or more power is meaningless unless they are nested inside a higher, nobler purpose.
This ancient lesson applies to everyone, but it rings especially true for those working in agriculture. Farming and ranching are physically, mentally, emotionally and financially demanding, so it can be very easy to get caught up in the here and now, especially during difficult years like 2025. Work and worry can easily consume our lives, and no wonder! However, work also needs to be in service of a higher good, or else it too transforms into a meaningless chasing after the wind. “There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business!” (Ecclesiastes 4:8)
Agriculture offers a unique opportunity in our modern Western world to dedicate our toils to a higher purpose. Like it or not, we all rely on variables that are unimaginably complex and outside of our control. Yes, we have agency to make positive changes, but ultimately it’s out of our hands when the rain comes (or stops), how politicians vote and whether wars halfway across the world disrupt global supply chains. The only thing we can do is aim upward with our toils.
Whether you see your job as healing the Lord’s creation or as simply improving the environment, regenerative agriculture brings color back into farming and ranching like Dorothy stepping into the land of Oz. “I’m having fun farming again” and “I wish I would have discovered this 20 years ago” are common phrases I’ve heard over the years that point to such an internal transformation.
This pervasive sense of joy and purpose among farmers and ranchers is arguably the most important benefit that regenerative agriculture can bring to the world but is the least discussed. I think King Solomon would agree: “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
As you prepare for the closing of the year and the opening of another, it might be the perfect time to do some self-reflection and ask yourself, “For whom am I toiling?”