Cassandra

 This past week, I was given the precious opportunity to get away for a few days and seek solace in a wood house at the base of a Mountain in Georgia. There truly are not enough words to describe the atmosphere of this seemingly unrealistic place on earth. The only name I have for it is ‘God’s Country’. I left my house and embarked upon this solo journey to see my sister but also to escape the fast pace of life and recharge, if only for a brief time. As I drove over the mountain, I took a mental picture of the beautiful landscape stretching for miles before my eyes. There are vast expanses of farms with horses and cattle roaming along the banks and peaceful rivers that flow through the land. As I was nearing the end of my five hour drive, I stopped along the winding country road at a small white chapel and watched the sun set over the mountain; truly the perfect ending to the day. As I took in the beauty all around me, I was reminded of how creative God is.  How glorious that I serve a God who is the maker of such beautiful things.  Although the scenery around me was breathtaking to say the least, I could not help but wonder if this was a small bit like the wonder Adam and Eve must have possessed when they resided in the Garden of Eden. I cannot help but imagine them in complete awe of the beauty that surrounded them. But the exciting thing is that one day I will not have to try to imagine it. One day, I will be able to share in the awe of the perfect beauty when Eden is restored.

Although the landscape alone is enough to provide a recharge after a hectic, stressful week, the main reason I head to this small wooden house is to see my grandmother, Sarah Elizabeth Bell Coulter.  I have never met a woman as wise and loving as she in my lifetime (although perhaps I am a bit biased). There is something special about returning to the town of Cassandra or the ‘homeplace’ as it is referred to in my family. For history buffs, the farm was originally a 500 acre farm. During the Civil War, soldiers from the North traveled down and took over a house that was built on the farm during the Battle of Chickamauga. That house was the one my grandmother was born and raised in and to this day, there remains a large cooking pot outside left by the Yankee soldiers and a gun hidden in one of the walls. My great aunt currently inhabits that house, and my grandmother lives a short walk away in a house built by my grandfather. Since my grandfather passed away several years ago, I always make time to visit with my grandmother and keep her company. 

On this particular trip, God used my grandmother to show me love and teach me about Himself. Each night, we stayed up late sharing life with each other. My grandmother recounted stories from the Great Depression, family trials, and the faithfulness and mercy of God while I sat hanging onto every word. I was reminded on this trip that although God allows certain trials to arise and heartache to occur, He never gives you more than you can handle and He is always to help you through it. On my last day there, I had the privilege of listening as my Grandmother and her sister told stories of their childhood and life lessons they had learned. Such wisdom was imparted to me in those few hours. It amazed me to see these Godly women who have survived so much in their 80 plus years of life still laughing and finding joy in life.  They truly are perfect examples of the Proverbs 31 woman and they remind me of the Faithfulness of God in every word that spills from their mouth.  Every scripture referenced and every testimony shared by the two Godly women were like salve for my wounds.  They truly are beautiful reflections of God’s love.  As I departed and embarked upon the long journey home, my heart was full and my joy restored as I reflected on the goodness of God. I pray that one day, I will be like my grandmother who finds joy and peace in the promises of God’s word.