Tough Row To Hoe

In farming and gardening, to hoe a row 

is to turn a line of soil for planting seeds or bulbs—

 A tough row to hoe describes an enormous, challenging task. A tough row might be lengthy or involve hoeing dirt with lots of rocks or roots. A tough figurative row to hoe is any large undertaking 

With fourteen children, my Mama had a

tough row to hoe, but she did not vent

Mama’s hands were busy; she felt her

children were heaven sent

Every hour of her day was always 

accounted for

She never desired money; It was hours 

she needed more

My Mama knew hoeing fourteen 

rows would be a difficult task

Even when the days got hard, it was

For more patience that she asked

Some days were rocky, but mother soldiered on

On other days she pulled up roots, 

but she voiced no hateful scorn

Did she know her life would be a tough

row to hoe

Most mothers would say yes

but if you ask my Mama,

she would always answer

NO

When life seems to be a tough row to hoe

plant life’s seeds the best you can

and let God make them grow