Stories from Heaven's Library - Vol. 28
For Young & Old
Featuring:
The Square Dance
Why Have You Come?
The Square Dance
Plymouth, Massachusetts - 1870
The sun's rays had partially dried the gray stones of the humble farmhouse that had been drenched by one of the frequent summer showers. The inside of the farmhouse, although clean and tidy, was rather dark for lack of larger windows. With deft fingers, a young woman in a simple long dress worked at a spinning wheel. Her mother stood next to the fireplace stirring a blackened cast iron pot, suspended over the fire by a wire that clung to a large metal hook. Both women were silent, apparently absorbed in their own thoughts.
They were startled by the bark of their trusty dog. The mother instinctively took the rifle off the wall and walked over to the front window to see if anyone was there. The two women lived alone, and knowing how vulnerable they were, they had to be extremely cautious.
"Who's there, Mother?" Jessica asked nervously.
"Oh, it's just Frank," her mother reassured her.
Jessica was a quiet, unassuming young lady of sixteen years. Unlike other girls her age, she did not think of marrying. Since her father, Robert Landon, died, all she could think of was helping her mother survive. Life was not easy for them. Since the Civil War, money was hard to come by and they needed to work long, hard hours just to buy the minimum of necessities.
Others might have become bitter over this difficult turn of events, but not Jessica. Her sweet, positive outlook on life helped her mother cope with the stark reality of losing her husband.
Jessica watched as her mother put the gun against the wall, took the board off its hooks, and opened the door for Frank.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Landon," Frank said as he took off his hat rather awkwardly.
"Why, good afternoon, Frank. What a pleasant surprise! My, how you've grown, boy! You're going to be taller than your father! Tell me, what brings you to these parts?"
"Well, ma'am, I just wanted to ask Jessica if she ... well, you know ... there's going to be this square dance on Saturday ... "
"I think you're going to have to ask her yourself. Come on in, she's right over there."
As Frank walked over to Jessica, his hat fell out of his hand to the floor. He bent over rapidly to pick it up and tried to get the words out as he nervously fingered his hat brim. Standing behind him, Mrs. Landon couldn't help but smile, observing how difficult this was for him.
"Jessica uh I was wonderin' will you go to the dance with me?" he finally blurted out. Jessica looked up from her work, thinking about what she should say. Frank was a handsome and kind young man and she didn't want to disappoint him, but she couldn't stand the thought of leaving her mother home alone.
"I'm sorry, Frank, but I can't," she quietly confessed.
"Are you going with someone else?" Frank questioned, visibly shaken.
"No, no one else has asked me to go. It's just that I don't really want to go to the dance."
"You don't want to go to the dance? But Jessica, everyone is going to be there. Why wouldn't you want to go?"
Jessica was silent for a moment. Deep inside, she really did want to go to the dance with Frank, but she knew that her mother would not come, and she could not leave her mother home alone. But she couldn't tell Frank the reason why she could not go, as she felt that would hurt her mother, who was still standing behind him. She didn't want to make her mother feel like she was missing the dance because of her. Who would she hurt--Frank or her mother? Oh, she wished that she were far away from this spot, as she didn't want to make this choice.
Jessica stood up from her spinning and gently touched Frank's arm. "I'm sorry, Frank, I'm not much for dances. I'm sure you'll find someone else to go with you who would be much more fun than me." Jessica turned so as to hide the tears that had started welling up in her eyes.
"But Jessica, I don't want to go with someone else!" Frank pleaded, but to no avail. Jessica had already run to her room and closed the door behind her.
"I'm sorry, Frank," Mrs. Landon consoled him. "Let me talk to her and see what I can do. I don't know what got into that girl."
"Uh thanks, Mrs. Landon goodbye," Frank muttered, obviously disheartened, and looking as if he could not get out the door fast enough.
* * *
As Frank slowly walked down the dirt road toward the town, he mused over what had just taken place, muttering to himself along the way. "She wants to go with someone else. How could I have ever thought that she would go with me? I'll bet a whole bunch of boys have already asked her to go to the dance with them. After all, who am I? I'm nobody. My dad isn't rich. I'm not so smart. What kind of a future could I offer a girl?"
Meanwhile, Jessica lay on her bed crying quietly to herself. Her mother came in and sat down next to her on the bed, gently touching her arm.
"What is it, dear? You really do want to go to the dance with him, don't you? Why did you say no? It's me, isn't it?"
"Oh, Mama, I love you so much!" Jessica turned and looked at her mother. "I don't want to leave you alone--it's not safe. Besides, it's just a square dance. It isn't very important. I don't know why I'm getting so emotional about all of this."
"Jessica, do you like that boy?"
Jessica didn't answer.
"Now, Jessica, I asked you a question. Do you like him?"
"Yes, Mama, I do, but ... "
"Well, it's settled then. You are going to go to that dance."
"But Mama, I'm not going to leave you here alone!" Jessica affirmed.
"Who said I'm staying here?" she replied, with a twinkle in her eye.
Jessica couldn't believe what she had just heard. Her mother had closed herself off from the rest of the world after Jessica's father had died. She never left their farm for any purpose other than to go into town to buy supplies. Although widowed, she had married young and was still full of vigor and very attractive. However, Jessica had noticed that even when her mother did go into town, she resolutely avoided talking with eligible bachelors.
"Now, come with me. We're going to find Frank and tell him that he can take us both to that dance!"
"Right now, Mama?" Jessica questioned, her eyes still wide with astonishment.
"Yes, right now! He'll still be walking back to town, and if we hitch up Lightning to the buckboard* fast enough, we should be able to catch him. Besides, I'll need to buy some supplies in town anyway."
Jessica gave her mother a big hug and, with a smile on her face, she ran off toward the stable. She knew that she had the best mama in the world.
* * *
Frank was in no hurry to get to town and face anyone there, and just wanted to spend some time alone with his discouraged thoughts. He kept kicking the same stone in front of him, as he walked along the road, continuing his monologue as if he were talking to some unseen friend.
"I don't know why I ever went there in the first place. Jessica is the prettiest girl in the whole town. There must be something wrong with me that I have to like the prettiest, sweetest girl there is. Why couldn't I have fallen in love with a girl that none of the other guys were interested in? Then it wouldn't be so hard. Maybe I should look for someone else to go to the dance with. Let's see, who else is there? Oh, it's no use. I don't want to go with anyone else anyway. I guess I'll just stay home and be miserable."
Frank was kicking the stone harder now, as the frustration inside him continued to mount.
"I've got to stop this," he berated himself. "Come on, Frank, you've got to pull out of this."
He looked up, and suddenly realized that he was near one of his favorite swimming spots--a deep pool in the bend of a large stream a short distance off the road.
"Maybe a good swim will get my mind off of my problems," he thought aloud as he ran off the side of the road and across the field. He started taking off his shirt as he ran and, when he reached the edge of the swimming hole, he took off all his clothes and jumped in, completely nude. It felt so refreshing, and as he reveled in the sparkling water, he failed to notice the horse and buckboard pass on by down the road.
Jessica and her mother didn't notice Frank either. They kept on going, expecting to see him walking on the side of the road at any moment. As the metal rims of the buckboard wheels banged against the stones of the dirt road, Jessica finally blurted out the question she had wanted to ask for so long, but never had.
"Why don't you want to get married again, Mama?"
There was an uncomfortable silence for quite some time. Finally her mother answered.
"Your father was a good man, Jessica. I loved him very much, and I will not dishonor his memory by taking another man."
"But Mama, I'm sure that father would have wanted you to marry again."
"Now Jessica, don't you contradict me. How do you know what your father would have wanted? After all, you were only eight years old when he passed away."
"I know, Mama. But I still remember him." She was silent for awhile before she continued again. "Mama, I know that father wouldn't want to see you working so hard trying to do a man's work of keeping up a whole farm."
"Well, dear, as long as I'm blessed with good health, I'm sure that we can keep this farm going."
The conversation ended with Jessica's abrupt observation.
"Look, Mama, we've arrived and we haven't seen Frank yet!"
"Yes," her mother responded. "We should have seen him by now. Why don't we go to his house. Do you know where his house is? So much time has passed that I have forgotten where he lives."
"You see, Mama, you can't just shut yourself off from the rest of the world like this. Life goes on and you need friends. You need to start your life over again!"
"Now Jessica Landon, don't you start preaching at me! It's not your place to go telling your mother how to live her life!"
"Oh, Mama," Jessica's eyes became moist, "I so much want to see you happy again."
"Oh fuddletwickers, Jessica. I have you, and that's enough for me!"
"No, Mama! You need a man in the house."
"Hush up, dear. Just tell me where to turn or we'll never get to Frank's house."
Mrs. Landon knew that her daughter spoke the truth, but she wouldn't admit it, even to herself. Jessica was quiet for a few moments, but then asked, "Mama, did you make up that word?"
"What word, dear?"
"Fuddletwickers."
Mrs. Landon laughed, "Yes, I guess I just made it up."
"Oh, I think this is his house right here, Mama."
"Ah yes, of course Mrs. Sutter's house. My, it has been a while!"
Mrs. Landon stopped the horse, and they got down and approached the house.
"Will you talk, Mama? Please!"
"Yes, of course, Jessica."
They knocked on the door and a plump, middle-aged woman answered the door.
"Oh, Mrs. Landon! What a surprise! Please, come on in! It's been such a long time."
"Thank you, Mrs. Sutter, but we must be on our way. Is Frank here?"
"No, I haven't seem him at all this afternoon," Mrs. Sutter answered.
"Well, we would like to leave a message for him. Please tell him that my daughter, Jessica, has changed her mind and would like to go to the dance with him. And if he would be so kind as to come to our house at eight o'clock on Saturday night, and that I will be coming along as well to keep an eye on Jessica."
"Why, Mrs. Landon, it will be a pleasure to see you there. Yes, I will tell him. Now are you sure you don't want to come in?"
"No thank you, Mrs. Sutter. We really must be going. Good day."
"Good day to you, Mrs. Landon. Please do come again soon."
"Thank you, Mama," Jessica told her mother as they made their way back to their buckboard.
"Oh, it was my pleasure, Jessica. Why don't we pick up those supplies now."
"Do you think we could get a little of that pretty ribbon for my hair?"
"Yes, I think so. That would be nice to have for the dance."
Mrs. Landon put her arm around Jessica's waist as they rode on. Jessica looked at her mother with a big smile. They had become so much closer since her father had passed away, and were now best of friends.
* * *
Mr. Crachety scribbled out the numbers on a large piece of paper with which he had wrapped up the merchandise.
"Will that be all, Mr. Weber?"
"Yes, I think that's all I need for now," Don said as he handed him a couple of bills. The bell on the door rang as Jessica and her mother entered the store.
"Why, Mrs. Landon, and Jessica! How nice to see you," Mr. Crachety, the shopkeeper, greeted them. "I'll be right with you. Oh, Jessica, I just received a new shipment of ribbons, they're over there in that box, if you want to look at them. I was thinking about you when they arrived."
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Crachety!" she exclaimed.
Mr. Crachety finished totaling up the figures on the paper while the customer, a stranger, curiously eyed Mrs. Landon. "Howdy, Ma'am," he pulled off his hat to greet Jessica's mother.
Jessica, who was absorbed in rummaging through the box of ribbons as though it was a chest full of treasures, seemed oblivious to the exchange that followed.
"Hello," Mrs. Landon answered rather coolly.
"The name is Don Weber. I just bought the old McRiley farm a short while back, but I don't recall seeing you here before."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Weber. I'm Meg Landon, and over there is my daughter, Jessica."
"Why, you must count yourself lucky to have such a lovely daughter, Mrs. Landon. I think a person can have no greater treasures than the children God gives them."
"Here's your change, Mr. Weber," Mr. Crachety interrupted, handing him some money.
"Thank you. Good day, Mr. Crachety, and good day to you, too, Mrs. Landon."
She politely smiled, and nodded her head.
Suddenly the man turned, as though receiving some sudden inspiration. He quickly approached Mr. Crachety, whispered something in his ear, and discreetly pointed to something in the store, but Mrs. Landon could not see what. He took a bill from his wallet and handed it to Mr. Crachety. Then he awkwardly left the store, not knowing what to say, as he had already said goodbye.
"Good day, Mr. Weber," Mrs. Landon finally said, somewhat amused at his embarrassment.
"Good day," he mumbled, as he raised his hand for a wave.
"Oh, mother, look at this hair ribbon, it's so lovely. I think I'll take this one," Jessica said excitedly.
"Sure, dear," her mother said, but her attention was still focused on the man that had just left the store. Suddenly she came back to reality and, turning around, she began putting flour, sugar, and other staples on the counter in front of Mr. Crachety.
"Who was that man, Mama?" Jessica inquired.
"It appears he's new to these parts. He told me he bought the McRiley farm," her mother explained.
Then Mr. Crachety added, "He bought more than the McRiley farm! He just bought this for you, Jessica!"
As Mr. Crachety was talking he walked over behind Mrs. Landon and took a party dress off a hook, holding it up for them both to see.
"Oh Mama, look! It's so pretty! Is it really for me?" Jessica was overwhelmed. Although they were not poor, they definitely could never have afforded such a dress themselves.
"Yes, it's beautiful, dear. But I'm afraid it's out of the question. We do not accept charity."
"But Mama..." Jessica protested.
"I don't think you should consider it charity, Mrs. Landon," Mr. Crachety thoughtfully interjected. "I think you would be doing Mr. Weber a favor in accepting this gift. You see, he lives alone. His wife died while giving birth to their first baby. The baby died too. I've never seen him smile that is, until he asked me to get that dress for your daughter."
"Oh Mama, please can I keep the dress? It's just what I need to go to the dance!"
"Well, I have to admit, it is better than the one you have ."
"Thank you, Mama, thank you!" Jessica flung her arms around her mother and they embraced for a few moments. Mrs. Landon had not yet actually decided to let Jessica keep the dress, but after all this fuss, what could she do but accept it. She halfway suspected that Jessica's exuberant display of appreciation was a way of forcing her to accept the dress, but she readily forgave her daughter. After all, Jessica had seen much difficulty in her life as it was, especially after her father died, yet she had remained so cheery and had always been such a blessing. She most certainly deserved a reward.
Jessica pulled away from her mother and holding her hands declared resolutely, "Mother, we must go and thank Mr. Weber at once!"
"Now Jessica, how do we know he went directly home? Maybe he had to buy other things " her mother tried to protest.
"Mama, I must go and thank him for such a lovely dress."
Mrs. Landon knew that once Jessica made up her mind to do something there was no stopping her, so she paid Mr. Crachety and off they went toward the old McRiley farm.
Since Mrs. Landon had not been around for a long time, she could hardly believe what she saw once they had gotten to the farm. The old farmhouse had been repaired and painted. It had new windowpanes and doors. The broken-down fences had been replaced and flowers had been planted around the house. The barn had also been fixed up, and they could hear the lows of cows coming from the pasture on the other side.
Mr. Weber came out of his house to greet them. Jessica jumped down from the buckboard and ran toward him, but her mother remained seated. As Jessica approached Mr. Weber she started talking to him. She was still bubbling over with the excitement of her new dress and the dance on Saturday, so she forgot the usual salutations.
"Oh, Mr. Weber, I just had to come and thank you for the absolutely gorgeous dress!"
"I'm glad you liked it," Don said with a pleasant smile.
"There's going to be a square dance at the town hall Saturday night," she continued. "Will you come? You have to see me in my new dress!"
"Yes, I suppose I would have to see you in your new dress! I'll be there."
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Weber!"
Jessica smiled broadly. Tears welled up in Don's eyes as Jessica's joy and sweetness made him think of the family that he didn't have, but in her excitement, Jessica didn't notice those tears. She ran back toward her mother, waving to Mr. Weber and shouting goodbye.
"What was all that about?" her mother inquired as Jessica climbed onto the buckboard.
"Mama, you know that I came to thank him for the dress." Jessica thought it best not to mention anything about the invitation to her mother.
* * *
After a refreshing swim, Frank climbed out of the swimming hole and, as he had done many times before, he stood in the sun to dry off a little before he put his clothes back on.
"I know what I'll do," he reasoned to himself. "Instead of thinking of the dance, I'll think of all the blessings God has given me."
Looking down at his body he noted, "Number one, I have a good strong body, and I'm not sick. Also, I'm not poor. I have plenty of good food to eat. I know how to farm and I like to work, so I shouldn't ever have to go without food."
As he put on his clothes he continued, "I have all the clothes I need and I have a nice house to live in. And look at this beautiful countryside. I could be living in a desert, but look at all these beautiful trees and this grass and these flowers ... " and on and on Frank kept counting his blessings as he walked on home, never suspecting the surprise that awaited him.
* * *
Jessica had taken her bath and was now putting on her new party dress that Mr. Weber had given her.
"Fix up your hair, Jessica. Frank should be here soon," her mother instructed her from the living room. Jessica brushed her hair and tied it in place with a ribbon that matched her dress. She put on her best shoes which she had polished for the occasion. When she finished, she stepped out into the living room with her hands raised in the air.
"What do you think, Mama?"
"Well, look at you!" she responded in obvious surprise. "What do I think? I think my baby is no longer a little girl. Just look at you! You are a full-grown woman. You are gorgeous! Come and give me a kiss!"
"Where's your dress, Mama?" Jessica suddenly asked.
"Oh, Jessica dear, I don't need to wear a special dress. I'm just going to accompany you."
"Oh, Mama, I know you have a dress in that trunk of yours. I'll get it for you," Jessica answered resolutely, and soon came back with an elegant dress that her father had bought for her many years ago in Boston. "Now why would I wear that?" her mother protested.
"Because you are going to a dance and you need to dress up. Everyone is going to be dressed up. Please do it for me, Mama."
"All right, Jessica, for you," she relented, and went off to her room with the dress in hand. When her mother came back into the living room, it was Jessica's turn to be surprised.
"Mama, you're beautiful! You look like a queen! I can hardly believe you're the same person."
"Well, I haven't exactly forgotten how to use a little rouge, my dear. When you get to be my age, you need a little more color, you know!"
Jessica could see that her mother was clearly enjoying the occasion to dress up, something she had not done for a long time. She was happy to see her mother having a good time. Then they heard a knock at the door.
"Oh, that must be Frank. Would you please open the door, Mama?" Jessica asked as she ran to the kitchen, nervous to be going out on her first date.
"Of course, dear," her mother replied, and opened the door for Frank. "Hello, Frank, come on in!"
Frank couldn't talk. He just stood there with his mouth open and his eyes fixed on Mrs. Landon. Finally he managed to say, "Mrs. Landon?"
"Yes, it's me, Frank," she answered, amused at her own effect on him as she motioned for him to step inside for a moment.
In walked Jessica. Frank turned to greet her and was stunned again.
"Hello, Frank," Jessica said with a sweet smile.
"J Jessica! You look beautiful!"
"You look handsome yourself, Frank."
"I'll be the envy of the town! I'm going to the dance with the two most beautiful women in the world!"
Jessica blushed a little, and searched for something to say to alleviate her embarrassment. "Would you like some cookies and tea?"
"No, thank you. I think I'm too nervous to eat," he candidly confessed.
"Yes, me too," Jessica admitted.
"Well, we might as well get into the buckboard then," Mrs. Landon announced enthusiastically. "Are we set to go, Mr. Sutter?"
"Yes ma'am, we are, Mrs. Landon," Frank answered, as he motioned out the door to where his horse and buckboard were waiting.
* * *
Mrs. Landon pretended not to notice that Frank and Jessica were holding hands as they all made their way to the dance. It was a clear night, and the bright moon made it easy to see the way. The animated conversation made the trip seem short.
Arriving at the town hall, they had to search for awhile to find a place to tie up their horse and buckboard, as there were already many people there from the town and surrounding farms, coming to enjoy the fun of the evening together. The crowd was predominantly an older one, but these dances were town affairs, and everyone, both young and old, joined in. Because of the presence of the younger ones, only a mildly alcoholic apple cider was served. If any of the men overindulged, they would be promptly escorted from the town square. Of course, the local band was there, with two fiddlers this time.--And yes, the members of the band were, as usual, allowed to indulge in drink as long as the music didn't suffer.
The evening air was filled with their lively music, and many people were dancing as Mrs. Landon, Jessica, and Frank entered the town square. Mrs. Landon moved toward a wall and sat in a chair. Frank and Jessica followed her, but Mrs. Landon encouraged them to go and join the dancing. Though lacking in experience, they imitated the others in the intricate square dances, while Mrs. Landon looked on and signaled them from time to time, encouraging them to keep going at it. She was so intent on observing the young couple that she was oblivious to all else.
"May I have this dance?"
Quite startled, Meg Landon turned to see who was talking to her. It was none other than Don Weber. Now it was her turn to be shocked. She had not expected Don to be there, much less asking her to dance. He looked stunning, with a fresh haircut, clean-shaven and all dressed up. He looked even younger than when they first met. She grappled with the sudden emotions that started welling up within her. On the one hand, she wanted to dance with him. On the other hand, she feared what it could lead to. He took her hand and without saying a word, she stood up and, beyond her own belief, she followed Don to the dance floor, as if by some automatic reaction beyond her control. Even though she hardly knew him, she trusted him. Yielding to his will came surprisingly naturally.
Don himself was also amazed at his own boldness to take Meg's hand even before she had a chance to respond.
* * *
What Meg and Don could not see was that Robert, Meg's husband, and Don's wife, were right there with them, helping to bring them together. They so much wanted their loved ones to be happy and to have the company that they needed, so Jesus had given them permission to help, encourage and empower their loved ones who were still alive to take this step of faith despite their natural inclinations. As the situation unfolded, Jesus monitored them closely. An angel came to Jesus' side.
"I think it would be helpful if we allowed Meg to see her husband. She feels such condemnation at the thought of loving somebody else."
"Very well," Jesus answered, "but it would depend a lot on Meg's faith. She feels that something extraordinary is happening, but it all depends on whether she accepts it and believes, or whether she rejects it and hardens her heart."
* * *
Don and Meg both knew the steps to the traditional square dance and enjoyed them very much. At times the partners were exchanged. At other times they faced each other in two parallel lines of dancers but, as is the course of the dance, they were soon back together again. Rapidly the barriers and the fears melted away, as they found they enjoyed each other's company very much. Strangely, they felt as if they had known each other for a long time and had been the best of friends. Meg even forgot all about Frank and Jessica for awhile. In fact, Frank and Jessica were now watching the older couple amusedly, smiling at the transformation of Meg's life that they could see happening before their eyes. They talked excitedly about what would happen between Don and Meg.
"Do you think they will go outside to talk?" Jessica asked Frank.
"I really don't think things will happen so quickly," Frank responded.
"It makes me warm all over to see my mother smiling and laughing," Jessica confessed. "She's really a different person tonight, isn't she?"
The music stopped.
"It's hot in here, shall we step outside for a minute?" Don suggested.
"Yes, I could use some fresh air," Meg agreed. As they walked toward the door Don took Meg's hand. Their former mates smiled and winked at each other. They were so happy that despite their initial reservations, Don and Meg were yielding to what they and the Lord were trying to set up.
Meg's husband tried to encourage Don to stand a little closer to Meg, while Don's wife was trying to get Meg to start up a conversation. Finally Meg said, "You're a very good dancer."
"Why, thank you!" Don said, as he gently moved a little closer.
Suddenly Meg had an urge to confess her innermost feelings, and to her own surprise, she blurted out, "I just can't believe that I'm acting like this. This is not me. Ever since my husband died I have been afraid to even think of loving again. I felt that it would not be right, that it would betray the love that I felt for him. But here I am, at ease with you. Everything suddenly feels so different. I don't understand."
"I feel different, too," Don confessed. "After my wife died, the shock was so great I didn't think I'd ever get over it. Never did I think I would get over the sadness and loneliness that I felt."
Meg was confused. She half listened to what Don was telling her, but in her mind, a fierce battle raged. What would Robert think? Oh God, I don't want to make a mistake! Please show me, God, what I am to do!
Then she saw him. Robert was standing right behind Don, smiling. He didn't speak with words, but she could hear him in her mind. "It's right, my darling. It's all right."
Meg started to cry, as a puzzled look came over Don's face. He didn't know what was happening. He tried to comfort Meg.
"What is it, Meg? Why are you crying?"
She put her arms around Don and lay her head against his chest. She continued crying. She could not talk. Don put his arms around her also, a little confused, since they had seemed to be having such a good time together. He wanted to comfort her, but at that moment could think of nothing to say, so they just held each other.
* * *
Their mates, now in Heaven, also put their arms around each others' waists. They were so happy for the great victory that had been won, and that they were able to bring Don and Meg together. They were thankful that both of them had made the right decisions, and had yielded sufficiently so that it all could happen.
* * *
Still overcome with emotion, Meg managed to tell what had just happened. "I saw him! Robert, my husband he was right behind you! He said it was all right! I feel as if a great weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. Now I can live again!"
Don shared what he thought was his own observation. "You know, Meg," Don said, "you came here for your daughter's sake. That loving deed has come back to you. You died to yourself for Jessica's sake and have found the freedom to start your life again."
"Oh my!" she suddenly remembered, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I've forgotten all about Jessica. I came here to be with her, and now I don't even know where she is. I should go find her "
"Oh, fuddletwickers!" Don said. "Don't worry about her. I'm sure she's all right. Frank Sutter is a fine young man, and I'm sure he's taking good care of her. They'll do just fine "
"Did you just say 'fuddletwickers'?" Meg asked with a puzzled look on her face.
Don raised an eyebrow. "Did I? That's odd, I haven't said that word in years. I don't know why it would suddenly come back to me "
* * *
"Oh, fuddletwickers, Don! Of course you do!" his wife burst out, although he could not hear her.
* * *
Jessica and Frank were indeed doing fine as they, too, were starting a relationship that would only flourish with time. Meg did marry Don, and Jessica eventually married Frank. Don and Meg had five children together, and Frank and Jessica had ten. At first Frank and Jessica lived with Meg and Don on Don's farm, but they later moved back to Meg and Jessica's old farm. Frank, a hard worker, turned it into a very productive farm. Their farms grew in size and the two families became some of the most prosperous and influential in the area.
* * *
Don and Meg both grew closer to the Lord after all that they had been through, and they faithfully raised their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Two of their sons became preachers, and had a great influence on their community. And so all things worked together for good, not only in the lives of Don and Meg, but also for countless others who were touched by the far-reaching effects of a love that was born one special moonlit night at the square dance.
WHY HAVE YOU COME?
The sun sat low in the sky, casting an orange glow on the distant mountains of northern Virginia. Frank and Laura had moved to this beautiful land only years earlier with their family of three children. Not too long after, they had been joined by other settlers also seeking religious freedom. Frank had built a small but comfortable cottage near a beautiful lake; even now a group of kids could be heard running and playing on its banks. Frank had just returned from a hunting trip carrying a deer, which, thankfully, were plentiful in the nearby forest. It was a good-sized deer, and he would not have to go out hunting again for at least a week.
As he entered the door of his home, he noted the large pot of stew simmering over the open fire. He hung his gun over the door in its usual place and then leaned over to look out the window.
I still have a few hours before dark. I think I'll work in the vegetable garden out back until supper time, he thought to himself
Laura and their eldest daughter, Elizabeth (called Bethy by all), were busy preparing supper. The twins, Sammy and Saul, were still playing outside, rolling down the grassy slopes that led to the cottage. Soon, Laura rang the dinner bell and everyone proceeded to wash up and sit down at the old wooden dining table.
"Bethy, it's your turn to pray today," Frank said. Everyone folded their hands in prayer.
"Dear God," Bethy began, "thank You for providing this food, and thank You for Mommy who so lovingly prepared it. Please bless it and ... "
KAABANG! The door suddenly opened and a large, fierce looking Indian warrior stood in the doorway. A smaller Indian pushed his way forward into the room. Frank could see a few more Indians waiting outside.
"Little Wolf!" Frank stood up, a little surprised at this sudden and unannounced intrusion, and faced the smaller Indian. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Big Chief Wazumba say you must come with us!" he answered sternly, using his broken English.
Little Wolf was the only Indian of the nearby tribe who spoke at least some English, and he often acted as an interpreter between the settlers and his tribe. Frank and Laura had always managed to live in peace with these Indians, and they often traded goods. Although they tried to remain kind and courteous to these natives, they never knew what they could expect from these fiery and often unpredictable people.
"What have we done?" Frank asked. There was no reply. Instead, the large warrior took some rope and tied Frank and Laura's hands together, while the children silently and fearfully looked on.
"It's all right, children," Laura said, remaining calm. "The Lord is going to take care of us, so don't worry." Then she turned to Little Wolf. "We have only been kind to your people, so why does Chief Wazumba want to bind us now?"
"You will find out later," was his only reply, as he motioned for them to step outside. "The children must come, too!" he added.
Once outside, with their hands bound, and the children following behind them, Frank and Laura started the long walk to the Indian village, accompanied by their tanned and painted captors.
On and on they walked, until their feet ached and felt numb. Sammy and Saul began crying so pitifully that finally two Indians had pity on them and carried them the rest of the way on their shoulders.
When they arrived at the Indian village, a loud war whoop announced that the party had returned, and everyone came running to greet them. The twins were instantly surrounded by a group of curious onlookers their own age. They were excited to meet other children their age, but were also a bit scared, as they had no idea what was going to happen next.
Frank had been to this Indian village a number of times, and other Indians had come to their settlement as well, but never had the children met before. They had also never seen much of Big Chief Wazumba, as their dealings had been restricted to only a few Indians who had been allowed to interact with the white people.
Frank, Laura, Bethy, and the twins were shoved into a teepee with guards placed outside. They had not yet been told why they had been brought to the village or what awaited them the next day. Night had now fallen and they were exhausted from their long walk. Frank and Laura tried to be brave, especially so as not to overly alarm the children, but it was hard not to worry about how all this might end. After earnestly praying together for the Lord's protection, they all fell into a troubled sleep.
* * *
They were woken up early the next morning with a start.
"You come now!" It was Little Wolf. "Chief want to see you!" he told them quickly, as they scrambled to their feet.
Frank and Laura stepped out of the teepee, and Bethy followed, but the guard stopped her,
"The children stay here!" Little Wolf announced sternly.
"No, no! Please no!" Laura cried, but the guards had already shoved Bethy back into the teepee.
"Don't worry, Mother! God will be with us!" Bethy called out, peeking her head through the opening in the teepee; then she turned and squatted down on the floor in front of her brothers.
"Let's pray together," she instructed her two young brothers. "Dear Jesus, please protect Mother and Father, and please keep us safe as well. We don't know what's happening, but You do. We pray that You will help all this to somehow work together for good. Amen!"
Frank and Laura were taken before the Chief. As they entered the large teepee, they bowed low before him.
Although stern, he seemed to be pleased with this odd white man's gesture.
"Chief Wazumba say you can sit down," Little Wolf instructed them, as he began to translate what his chief began to tell the settlers.
"I call you because we have just seen more White Man come to our land. Why do White Man come here? Is it to bring more White Man, so that you can steal our land, and bring great sorrow to my people? Why have you come? Why?" He raised his voice and spoke rapidly.
"Great Chief," Frank began, "we have always been friends with your people. We have not come to steal your land, or to bring sorrow to your people! We have come here so that we could be free to worship our God in our own way. This is why, Chief Wazumba, we have come to your country."
"I tell you a White Man story," the Chief continued through his interpreter, "and perhaps you understand." His voice grew lower, and the others in the tent hung their heads in somber silence.
"Many years ago I had a beautiful wife. We were very happy. One day she have a baby girl. We held big party, and everyone was happy. We loved her dearly and took good care of her. Then White Man came to our village one day, and some of my people catch White Man disease. My wife and child catch it, too. I was worried. My wife coughed and coughed, and then she die. My daughter die too. While we have big burial ceremony, White Man steal from village, take our skins and weapons, and leave. This is the sorrow that White Man bring to my people."
Chief Wazumba had tears in his eyes as he concluded his story. "So, tell me," he asked once again "Why have you come? Will you do like other White Man?"
"Great Chief, I have already told you. We have come that we may live in peace, and serve our God."
"Who is your God?" Chief Wazumba asked, curious to know more.
"Our God is the great God of the Sky," Laura answered calmly. "He is the God of the Universe Who loves everyone. It doesn't matter what the color of your skin is, or what land you live on. He cares for all people, and He wants them to be happy. He cares for you, too, Chief Wazumba."
The Chief looked at her imploringly. "Can your God take away my sorrow, and make my people happy once again?"
"Yes, our God can help you," Laura answered boldly. "You just have to ask Him."
"How do I ask Him?"
"Just pray this simple prayer with me, and ask Jesus to come into your life. He will give you the happiness and peace you need and desire," Frank said with a smile.
And so the three of them bowed their heads in prayer, as Chief Wazumba humbly asked Jesus to come into his heart, and to fill his life with happiness and peace and joy. Chief Wazumba was so happy, he immediately gathered the village together, and his whole tribe prayed the same prayer. Laura and Frank were soon reunited with their three kids: Bethy, Sammy and Saul, and given an honorary escort back to their home.
Frank and Laura continued to visit the Indian village regularly, teaching the chief and his people more about the loving God of the Universe and His Son, Jesus. Not long afterwards, old Chief Wazumba went on to his Heavenly reward, but not before--as a result of his conversion--many of his tribesmen had also come to find peace and joy through Jesus and His gift of salvation.
Definitions included throughout booklet:
buckboard: a four-wheeled open carriage with the seat attached to a flexible board
(End of file.)
Copyright (c) 1998 by Aurora Productions