We were looking for something to do.
Something out of the ordinary. A change of pace in the sometimes mundane stretches of a Midwest winter. A fresh perspective.
So we traveled to the site of historical reenactment.
Nouvelle Annee: A French Garrison 1758.
An opportunity to experience a winter with the French of Fort Miamis.
“Les Habitants et Marines du Post ed Miamis” (residents and inhabitants of the Miami Post) recreated actual events which occurred in and around the area in the year 1757. This was done by examining letters written by the French commanders. We were able to experience what it was like in those days of the French and Indian War.
Mail call, military drills, scouting, cooking, and fiber spinning.
We spent the afternoon immersing ourselves in history.
Imagining what it would have been like during that period. As a commander. As a soldier. As a Native American ally to the troops.
It was if we had stepped back in time.
The uniforms and clothing, representative of each personal portrayal. Practicing drills. Maintaining muzzles.
Comrades. Friends. Soon to be on the battlefield together. Fighting for territory. For France ~ their home.
And inside ~ fireplaces burning. Cast iron cooking fresh eggs over the crackling, scarlet flames. Herbs hanging to dry. Yarns being spun for wool socks. Stocking caps. Knitted warmth for the winter months.
Sunlight filtered through the smoked glass windows of the cabin, illuminating the writing desk.
Envelopes addressed.
Handwriting carefully scripted in inencre noire.
It made me wonder about the hearts of those mothers who wrote letters to their soldier sons off at war. In those tentative weeks and months, what was the content of their correspondence?
What mattered the most?
What words were worthy of saying to a child whom you may never see again?
I thought of what I might pen to my Sweet Louise.
In the battles she faces today.
I ponder…
This world around her. How is it similar to that of 1758? Two-hundred sixty years ago.
What are the parallels of the two times and spaces in history?
My dearest, darling Emma ~
How I miss you.
I pray that you are finding joy despite these days of battle.
In these, your young-adult years, you are surrounded by the wages of sin and war as never before. Like the pages of history, conflict and fighting persist. Wars are fought, though the battle-ground may appear to be different.
Camouflaged and discreet, the enemy lurks in the most unsuspecting of places. Deep in the forests of friendships he beckons. In the tangles of teenage trials. In the seeking of independence. In the search to satisfy our wanting of approval. Hidden in the human need for identity. Laden in the longing for accolades and affection. There, in the urge to be understood.
Be on guard. For the enemy has studied your ways. A cunning champion of deceit, the temptations to lure you from your true identity will forever be present. Until we leave this world. Until we are truly home with our Maker.
Though, as I contemplate the ever-present challenges you will face, my heart knows peace.
I Trust in the Lord that He has you. For you are His child first.
You were chosen by Him. You are a leader ~ speak wisdom to the hearts of those who are lost around you. In this world, this war, never forget how to find your way. Navigate with your maps. Your compass ~ the Word. His teachings and promises will guide you. Keep the Light of Christ ever-burning. The ‘illuminer’ of your way.
Know that I will forever hold you close, though the miles be great between us.
Sweet dreams my love.
We are under the same blanket of God’s great sky tonight,
ta mère aimante
Psalm 18:29
With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
When to advance.
When to retreat.
Strategic considerations and commanding officers.
Life today is like that.
Our children are immersed in the lure of the physical world. Of our society.
They are influenced by all that they see. All that they hear. And all that they experience.
Knowing this, it behooves us to ask ourselves as parents, the following questions:
As Christians, the daily guides in our homes ~ l’autorité de commande ~
Are we being our child’s ally in this world?
Are our eyes wide open to listen for the adversary in the darkness?
Do we study the strategy of the enemy?
Are we keenly aware of our children’s behaviors, enough to recognize change?
Do we challenge them in the certainty of their power in Christ? In the knowing of who they have truly been created to be?
Are we putting forth our best effort to teach them about the redemption of God, even in the casualties of this war that they face?
Psalm 91: 11-12
For He will give His angels special charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
Tempted by peers to engage in gossip. Inclined to entertain the comedy of cruelty. The demeaning of the distressed.
Our teens walk in a world beguiled and enchanted by the enemy.
Their souls ~ territory to be fought over.
Facing the enemy for control.
We are not exempt.
Constantly being tested by the forces at work. The worlds of the seen and unseen.
As parents, we too are often weary from the rigors of the crusade.
But our enduring strength is in Him.
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Because of this we can rejoice!
At the closing of day, we can breathe in the complete and ever-present joy of knowing that as Christ followers, we are triumphant.
We needn’t fear the struggle.
For in the end, God wins.
…
Until then, we remain on this battle-field to do His work.
For our children.
For each other.
To be the loving extension of Christ to the lost and weary soldiers. To those who have been wounded in the fight. Those who have succumb to the battle.
We lift them up, reminding them of their purpose.
For the war has already been won.
And during our time left here on earth, we teach our children how to defend our territory in Christ Jesus.
Our rock.
Our fortress.
Our Salvation.
My Sweet Louise 
Please share your thoughts.