The Write Place

Table of Contents
Read Chapter 8 Here

Chimney smoke rose in the distance, the source hidden partially by the now colorful trees.  Farms were visible breaking up the forests.  Fields white with grain were being harvested.  The hills were a radiant amber. The day was a dreary gray; the sun trying to poke through the clouds could not long be victorious.  Sitting under the tree were David and Abigail wearing worried looks upon their faces.  Abigail was resting her head on David’s chest; his large arm lay prone wrapped around her. 

“They keep telling me they need someone,” David said, looking off into the distance. Abigail looked up to David and their eyes met.  The same thought hung with them both as it had many times before.

“Do you really have to go?” Abigail asked, slight desperation evident in her voice.

“I do not wish to go, Abigail.  But they need somebody.  They’re running a circuit right now until they get someone new to hit the next 3 towns.  It’s a smaller circuit but the frontier settlements are growing rapidly in number. The number men attending to them has not,” David brought his free left hand to his forehead. “The last man making the rounds died.  What if, what if I can’t make it back to you?”

“They need someone now,” said Abigail, surprising herself. “As much as I hate it, you need to consider this.”

“And leave you alone?” David said, looking towards Abigail.  “The magisterium is calling on me to do it, at least for a time.  They. . .” he said with a pause.  The weight and doubt of the words rested upon him “tell me it will only be for three, four months.  But now, at this time of year it is especially risky.  The Indians are not all friendly, and the French are the French.  They’ll never be otherwise.”

“There’s really nobody else to go?” asked Abigail, clinging to him more tightly.  The reality of parting pressed closer and closer in their hearts.

“Not at that time.  The next evangelist is on the way but won’t be here for months.  At least till my time is done in the Spring.  It’s desperate.  They’re sending men to circuits everywhere.  Here though, I’m all they have,” David said, dropping his shoulders in resignation.

Abigail took a deep breath that David could feel through her small body.  Taking his hands and bringing them to herself she looked David in the eyes.  “I hate this, with all of my heart but that doesn’t change it.  They need you.  Be courageous in your calling.  If God wills it, you will return to me.”

“I don’t know if that is the right thing, Abigail.  You are my first ministry,” David said, holding back the tears in his eyes.

“And I’m telling you, they need you.  I do not like it either, but their need is real, and their need is great,” Abigail said, tears welling up in her eyes.  “It should only be for a short time.  You have my permission, go.”

David wrapped his arms tightly around his wife.  They cried together, and not for the first time.  Now when they held each other, they wondered as to how many embraces remained.  For all they knew this alone, the future ahead was uncertain.

“The Indian attacks, the French, and a British settlement was wiped out.  What if they come here when I’m gone?” David said, pulling back and looking her in the eyes, tears to tears.  “What of their souls if I don’t go?” David said.

“Exactly.  They need you.  I’ll be fine here in the town.  If God is calling you then you need to go.  I believe he is,” said Abigail, unsure of who she was reassuring.  The anxiety belonged to not one, but both of them.

Taking a deep breath, David with seriousness upon his face, placed a warm hand on her’s. “When I return, let us plan accordingly.  It’s a sacrifice for a time but I should see you at least one weekend in each of those months.  I’ll preach the circuit.  I will be back soon enough.”

“I’m sure of it,” said Abigail, placing one hand on her husband’s face.  Meeting hands and eyes, they kissed as the sun poked through the clouds.  David reached around his wife and pulled her close.  Looking up he reached and pulled an apple from the tree. David sat next to his wife, sharing the fruit of the tree.  They watched the valley full of life at this harvest time for what may be the last time.  At least, for now.