Passion for Farming

What if not all labor is meant to serve the same purpose? This Labor Day, I’m reflecting on the different kinds of work that have shaped my life—from teaching, to providing for my family, to tending the daylily farm. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that some labor pays the bills, some builds a future, and some simply feeds the soul. And sometimes, the work that gives us purpose looks a lot like getting our hands dirty.

A simple question from her husband stopped Jessica in her tracks: "Why do you do this?" The answer led her on a journey through family memories, the legacy of Daylily Connection founder Sheila VanNatta, and a growing passion for a farm she never expected to love. This heartfelt reflection explores stewardship, grace, and what it means to leave a place better than you found it.