The Journey
I was walking down a country road, admiring all that I saw.
Breathing in the aroma of the season's sweet bouquet the
grass was bright green and the wild flowers full in bloom with the colors of an artist's pallet. The old country houses stood
with pride of the history that was held with in their structure. Their character could be read with in the beholders mind.
The horses and cows grassed among the fields. It was obvious they were well cared for.
The farmers were ploughing their fields and laying seed for the harvest. The scent of the fresh ploughed earth was
wondrous and pleasant to the scent. Soon I came to meet another who was walking down the same country road. The stranger asked
if he could join me in my walk. I said that would be wonderful and asked him his name. He said his name was friend. I replied
welcome friend it is nice to meet you. My Friend and I walked a very long way. We talked, laughed and enjoyed each other's
company.
Soon it was getting late and we were a good distance from home. The air was getting colder and night was showing its
darkness. Friend said here take my coat to keep you warm. I said Thank-you and he wrapped me in the warmth of its comfort.
Soon it began to rain and the heavens opened up with the storms. Loud, thunderous and heavy rains frightened me a little.
Friend began speaking beautiful wonderful words that were like honey to my lips. Soon the storm
was over and daylight shown with the brightness of the sun, and aroma of the Fresh fallen rain from the night before.
Friend said come I must show you something. So I followed him. He showed a field a farmer was ploughing and planting
with tender care. He told me how the ground was tilled and prepared just right for the seed to be planted. He told me of the
importance of the earth being prepared properly for the seed to take hold.
Friend continued to show
me many things, like the sparrows and wild flowers how they were tenderly cared for. I liked being with Friend, I felt safe
and secure. Friend showed me how to care for all those, (man and creature) all that were in need, with love, kindness, patients
and humility. He taught me how to be humble and to think of others first before myself. I
watched, listened and learned very closely from everything he had said and done.
Soon the road had become very rocky and hills were our path. Rough was the journey so much
as I didn't think I could continue on. I was tired and weary. I felt alone. It was getting darker and hard to go on. Friend
where are you I cried? I cannot see you any more. I cannot make it. A distant voice said yes you can. Follow me, Follow me.
I struggled and continued to walk following his sweet words. Soon we came close to the mountain top. We rested in the cleft
of the mountain. Friend said here lean on me, rest awhile. He gave me living water, and bread to eat. The Manna from the heavens
filled my hunger. He said come, let me show you something. We went to the mountain top and my heart stood still in the vast
beauty of what lay before me. The earth full in harvest ready to be reaped. The beauty of Gods majestic creation was more
then my heart could have ever imagined. It was rich in Blessing, Love and comforted by the sheltering of his Glory. Friend
said go there before you and do as I have taught you. I must go now but will return. I have in trusted in you many precious
gifts and talents use these wisely that they may be multiplied to their purpose. Then friend left and I did as what was asked
of me. Friend returned many seasons later and I showed him of what I had done. He was pleased and had rewarded abundantly.
It was good to be with friend again.
Written by Wanda M. Rogers
Redemptions Harvest
Rebecca Caragan stood on the porch looking over the family orchard deep in thought. Rebecca’s
Mother Edna sat beside her Husband Frank’s bed watching over him in silent vigilance. His breathing was slow and labored.
Frank had a heart attack. The Doctors said it was just a matter of time, they done all they could for him. Rebecca’s
Brothers, Thomas and Edward where away fighting in the war.
Rebecca was drawn from her thoughts when her Mother approached. Edna’s eyes filled
with tears; held her arms out to her daughter Rebecca. Your father is gone dear. He slipped away quietly in his sleep. They
held each other close comforting each other in their loss. “Edna said” Rebecca; we need to contact the Red Cross
to find your brothers.
Edna and Rebecca sat down to figure out what had to be done next so they wouldn’t
loose their orchard and business. With the men serving in a time of war, they would be sent to different places, making it
difficult to locate Thomas and Edward in time for the funeral.
The Depression was hard on every one, friends, neighbors, and businessmen alike. The town’s
people held tight to what they had, The businessmen helped as much as they could with out going out of business. Edna told
her daughter Rebecca to put an advertisement in the paper asking for help in the orchard. Edna didn’t have a lot of
money, but would provide food, room and board for exchange of work.
A few days later a knock was heard at the door. Rebecca went to answer it. A stranger
stood at the door and introduced himself as Paul Simmons. He was looking for work.
Rebecca called her Mother and introduced Paul to her. Paul was invited in and they talked
about what needed done. Paul was asked what experience he had.
(He looked a bit haggard. Running from a past with deep dark secrets, Paul was trying
to start over with a fresh beginning. He was quiet and didn’t offer much information about himself other then what was
asked of him.)
Edna and Rebecca needed the help and hired him. There was a bunkhouse that sheltered the
help. He was given a warm meal and told to get good nights sleep that morning came early.
With In the following days, a few more men came to help. The Red Cross found Thomas and
Edward and they were discharged from service to come home.
After receiving word of their arrival time, Edna and Rebecca waited at the bus station.
As the bus approached the women’s eyes filled with tears. Joy and sorrow filled
their hearts. After a comforting embrace they headed back home.
Edna told her sons about hiring the men. Edward was pleased, but when He found out that
a stranger was hired, He questioned his Mothers decision. A stranger she knew nothing about. Thomas also had his reservations
concerning Paul Simmons. Edward and Thomas were a lot like their Father; they liked to know about the men working for them.
They certainly didn’t want to put their mother and sister in harms way. Edward made sure he kept a close eye on Paul.
The following morning, A large hot breakfast of bacon, eggs, hot cakes, biscuits and hot
coffee were prepared and served to the family and help. After Breakfast, they put in a full day and some of the night working
diligently. That night a storm brewed and reports of frost where in the forecast. They quickly placed oil heaters in each
row to protect the fruit from frost.
In the distance Edna could see some families hunched around some of the heaters trying
to keep warm. She started walking towards them to offer a warm place to stay. They ran as Edna came closer. Edna returned
to the house when she couldn’t catch up to them.
The storm was harsh and caused a lot of damage to the house and barn. The vegetables that
were still in the garden had been damaged and the some trees uprooted. The warmth of the oil barrels had spared the peaches.
A few hours later they were woken by the smell of fire. Edward ran to the barn and got
the fire wagon. It held barrels of water and a make shift hose. Edward and Thomas with the hired help put out the fire. Some
of the orchard took a big loss but they were able to save the rest.
Exhausted and smelling of smoke they went back to the house. Edward and Edna sat at the
kitchen table. We took some loss but most of the peaches were saved. “What I can’t figure out is how the fire
started” said Edward. Paul Simmons quickly came to Edward thoughts. He didn’t say any thing, but kept it to himself.
When Daylight came, Edward and Thomas went to the orchard. They found burnt remnants of
a blanket and tin dinnerware in the remains. Edward filled with rage went back and reported his findings to Edna. Edna calmly
told Edward, I saw a family last night.
They ran off, when I tried to offer a warm place to stay. Edward still angry voiced his
opinion loudly, Mother you have to stop the vagrants from stealing from us. That now this fire? “Proclaimed Edward“.
When will you listen to us? Those people were just hungry. Edward, They need our help. They can not help this depression.
““we need to go check the peaches. Edna explained to her sons. The workers joined Edna and her sons bringing in
what peaches were left.
Edna asked Rebecca into the kitchen. She began to tell her, we may be struggling a little,
but there are many families out there worse off then us. I want to make up some food baskets with vegetables, fresh fruit,
and some canned meats and soup. These people are just hungry. It hurts my heart to see such desperation. We will prepare the
baskets, and leave them on the doorsteps of the needy families.
That Evening, Rebecca helped her Mother load the baskets in the truck. They quietly dropped
them off and slipped away. In the following days, the families that were seen in the orchard hadn’t returned.
The Peaches where harvested and sold to market less what was sold in their small vegetable
fruit stand. The workers went home. Paul Simmons asked if they’re where any thing else he could do. He needed work and
was willing to do just about anything. Edward still not sure about Paul insisted his Mother say no. Edna a very trusting lady
said, We could use some house repairs, Are you familiar with that kind of work? Paul explained he was a jack of all trades
and could do what ever was needed. He thanked Edna for the opportunity and began right away working on the repairs. The roof
needed fixed, Windows needed repair and the front door needed new hinges. The front porch needed steps fixed and a fresh paint
job. There was not a lot of money to pay him. He mostly worked for food and board.
Thomas and Edward were working out in the fields checking out what needed to be done.
When they came back to the house they asked Edna where did Paul go? Edna didn’t realize he wasn’t around. He was
gone all the rest of that evening and the next day.
In town, Paul was talking to the town’s people. He asked if he could do odd jobs
in return for some supplies. Like a barter system.
The Town’s people were very happy to help as they also needed help but had no money
to pay for it. When the town’s people found out that Paul was doing this to help Edna and her family, they all wanted
to help as well.
Paul Returned to Edna’s and explained were he was and what he was doing. Edna was
surprised and overjoyed at his generosity. With in the hour trucks of town’s people came with supplies and began to
help fix up the farm and house with Paul.
Edna looked on in tear filled eyes and looked towards heaven, My Lord I Thank you for
your Blessings in these wonderful friends.
Paul asked if he could speak to Edna in private. Edna agreed. I have a confession to make.
Heavy hearted, he hung his head and began to tell her of a young boy running from an abusive father, looking for shelter and
food. Took refuge in her barn and ate her vegetables and fruit. I accidentally broke the windows getting in. I came back to
make emenze for my sins. Edna embraced him and told him your secret is safe with me. You are forgiven.
Paul and the community were healed and blessed by Redemtions Harvest.
Written by Wanda M. Rogers
