We have arrived at a fearful crisis

"We have arrived at a fearful crisis. Things cannot long remain as they are. It behooves all who love their country--who have affection for their offspring, or who have any stake in our institutions, to pause and reflect. Confidence is daily withdrawing from the general government. Alienation is hourly going on. These will necessarily create a state of things inimical to the existence of our institutions, and, if not arrested, convulsions must follow, and then comes dissolution or despotism, when a thick cloud will be thrown over the cause of liberty and the future prospects of our country."

Pretty well sums up the days in which we are living, doesn't it? These words may take us on the scenic route of getting at truth, but they do get us there. We all sense that we are at a crossroads as a nation, and that the future of our country hangs in the balance. We do not know which way the winds of politics will blow, but we do know that God is more than capable of turning our darkest nights into brighter days. As a nation we have been at crossroads before, and God has graciously allowed us to continue on--and sometimes even to grow stronger from the challenges. I trust that he will do so again.

Certainly when John C. Calhoun of South Carolina wrote these words in 1834, he was feeling the same sense of desperation that we feel today. His immediate fear was that Andrew Jackson was usurping powers not granted him in the Constitution and that the country would become subjugated to the whims of a single man. We need not immerse ourselves into the politics of 19th Century America to understand the issues or to know if Calhoun or Jackson was right. Our goal in these days is to consider those who have gone before, whether good or bad, and recognize the gracious hand of God in following years. Others have had mortal fears of our country's dissolution, and those fears have proven unfounded. America did not disintegrate with the presidency of Andrew Jackson. It may be that many future problems were born from the steps that he took, but these steps also may have given successive presidents the authority they needed to manage wars of frightful proportions.

We must remember that we only see small pieces of the intricate plan that God is unfolding. We do not know what will be ultimately good or bad for our nation or for ourselves. May we pray for the wisdom of God to live in these uncertain times, and the gracious faith to trust the Author of tomorrow's history.

Peach Picking

We are so busy right now we hardly have time to think; don't ask me how I have time to post this--it might have something to do with it being almost 1 AM and I've been working on paperwork till now. We did take time out today to drive about 20 minutes to our favorite peach place. It's a simple old farm with a Norman Rockwell landscape: fruit trees, rusting tractors, and worn-out buildings. But the peaches are large, tasty, and cheap (50 cents a pound; and as the old farmer told me last year, "We'll just round that down since we don't bother with quarters").

Are these peaches or grapefruits?

The kids like the chance to ride in the back of the van as we drive out of the orchard to get our buckets weighed. (Philip was just there for the picture.)

Peach juice on the chin makes for a happy boy.

Making sure the quality is good.

Peek-a-boo.

What is it with kids and ladders?

Sarah Beth kindly said, "I'll stop and smile for you."

My favorite part: the scale. It has to be a hundred years old (and I don't see any "PA Department of Weights & Measures" stickers on it). This year it was "about 70 pounds." They do take off about a pound each for the buckets. Now what are we going to do with them all?