My days are spent in the garden, in the kitchen and with a book. I begin with Bible study—currently the book of Esther. The drama of King Ahasuerus, Queen Esther, Mordecai and Haman is colorful, frightening and humorous. But I am most struck by the steadfast calm and faith that Mordecai shows. The effect of prayer and fasting. Esther’s courage and her plan for the appeal to the King.
The other book that I am slowly making my way through is John Adams by David McCullough. It has 656 pages. Perhaps because of the stay at home orders, that have been in place for months, I am fascinated by John Adams’ travels.
John Adams made several trips to Europe in an effort to get support from France during the Revolutionary War. His first trip was in February of 1778. The ship he was on encountered a fierce storm and the mast of the ship broke. The trip took six weeks.
On another trip the ship sprung a leak and all hands, even passengers, were required to help pump the water out. The ship reached a port in Spain. John Adams did not want to wait for the ship to be repaired and against advice went by mule from Spain to France.
Adams traveled throughout Europe. He did not have much success in his appeals to France, but did much better with Holland. Holland was the first country to recognize the United States.
The other aspect of the book that has caught my interest is the relationship of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They worked together on the Declaration of Independence and enjoyed a great friendship when both were in France.
Later that friendship was eroded by politics. Jefferson was working at cross purposes to Adam’s policies while serving as Adams’ vice president. In 1800 Jefferson and Adams were pitted against each other in the presidential election. The author shows the human flaws of both men.
Nations led by flawed human beings will always have inner conflict. I am reminded of the importance to pray for our country. We always need to pray. At this time in our country we must seek God’s help as we listen to each other.
This post is linked with the Five Minute Friday Writing community. Today’s prompt is: STAY
Interesting!
It seems that we are trouble-bound,
and will go down the drain,
but it’s funny how the wheel goes ’round
and peace will come again.
The cities, they are burning
in flame like lightning flashes,
but the wheel is turning
and deep beneath the ashes
a seed is wakened from its sleep,
its long botanic night;
it has a promise yet to keep
and struggles toward the light.
One day, after late-spring shower,
“Oooh, Mommy, look! A flower!”
Your words, “we must seek God’s help as we listen to each other” really touched my soul. More than just listening, we must seek God’s help for clarity and guidance in our response. Thank you!