The Summer's End
© 2011 - William C. Highsmith

The gnarled old hands reached to the shelf and carefully grasped the ancient 'Holy Book'. The Bible had been in his family for generations and he treasured it more than any of his belongings. The covers of the aged volume were tattered and well-worn by much use. Silas had read it every day for many years. However, this time as his fingers started to thumb through the pages, he stopped to examine the old family tree that had been meticulously recorded. It was started some time after the life of the first entry - a former slave named Brother Paul. Brother Paul was a black man of God previously owned by James Arnold - the proprietor of 'The Oaks' plantation in South Georgia.

Although James Arnold and his wife Mary were generally recognized as 'Planters ', they were good people simply living their lives in that time and space. Mary was filled with compassion for the people known as slaves, and made sure they were taught about the one true God. Her efforts were aided by Brother Paul. He had learned to read and write and was very instrumental in teaching the others concerning the Lord. James Arnold had once mused that he did not know if he actually owned Brother Paul. The next entry was Paul's son named Samuel. He was called Sammy in his time and was the great-grandfather of Silas. The old family tree displayed many styles of writing as names were added through the years. The last names included the children of Silas.

The elderly man lived alone now in an old house that had been in the family since it was built. In the old days, farmers, with little or no fire protection, built their homes with the kitchen connected by a breezeway. The thinking being that if either caught fire, there was some chance of saving the other if they were separated by a bit of space. Now things were a little more convenient as he had his kitchen inside the main house and used the outbuilding as a storage space. His wife of many years had gone on to meet the Lord and his children were scattered across the country - a country he had bravely fought to defend during World War II.

After the war ended and Silas had traveled over much of the world, he returned home to be a farmer. His ancestors had been farmers and his heritage instilled in him a love of the land. He had been successful growing tobacco, corn, and soybeans. He also had a personal vegetable garden and dearly loved to grow enough for his own table and to share with others. However, he was aware that seasons come to an end. He no longer farmed and realized his 'season' was almost over. However, the Holy Book had taught him about a season without an end. He looked forward to moving to a new house.

He remembered 'The Book' says: In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2

By William C. Highsmith - January 29, 2011