No question that this is one of the most difficult periods of waiting in the last ten years. I spoke to a friend who had purchased currency ten years ago and said she has been hearing “next week” ever since that time.
I’m sure you’re taking flak from many of those around you, perhaps still questioning your own sanity when it seems that we are there and then we aren’t there again and again. Sometimes those we have followed here have become discouraged and when they voice it aloud it is as if we all sit back at our desks, shaking our heads and wonder if we aren’t just a bit crazy for pursuing something so volatile; so up and down. We are paying a price and it is a very steep one. This choice has affected so many around us, family and friends that we are alienated from or that disrespect this choice.
It brings to mind that life and trials of George Washington.
Washington was viewed as larger than life to those who lived and worked with him. He felt he was destined for a life of farming and surveying until his older brother passed away in 1752. Suddenly, he owned a large plantation on the Potomac and succeeded his brother as one of Virginia’s four adjutants responsible for militia training. Within ten months, he volunteered for active duty.
A young Washington was ordered to lead a force of 300 to route the French after they established forts that threatened Virginia and the lands to the west. This was the first excursion of the French and Indian War. Washington won the skirmish only to find himself captured by the French fifty miles away.
His actions were criticized by the English. He ignored them. It just made him stronger. He had learned discipline and held it in high regard, referring to it as “the soul of an army”. He used this time to develop tactics that could adapt to the terrain. Most importantly, he learned to make do with very limited resources and, as a leader, always to look to the welfare of the men under him.
For the next fifteen years, Washington was devoted to his ever expanding agricultural holdings. Through the negotiations with neighbors and surrounding communities, he acquired his political skills and became a leader in the opposition to English colonialism. When Virginia hardened its attitude against England, Washington’s loyalties to those neighbors led him to be accepted into the leadership of the voluntary military.
From representing Virginia in the Continental Congress, Washington became the “go-to” expert on military matters. They soon elected him General and Commander in Chief for all Continental forces. Washington refused to take compensation for the position. He felt it was simply a matter of duty.
Washington was a man of patience and dedication. He always took time, watching for opportunities where he could surprise the enemy. He was able to avoid major defeats but it was a long, bitter and often fruitless campaign lasting more than eight years.
I believe that Washington found opportunities. On such opportunity was his famous crossing the Delaware River. He marched the Continental Army to Trenton including his men, their horses and wagons stretching out over a mile. The weather was terribly cold while crossing the river, but even worse as Washington rode up and down the columns, wet and freezing in the horrific conditions, pressing his men to carry on any way. After a march such as this, they charged the city while tramping through deep snow. Washington personally led the middle charge. Arriving as they did, Washington had maintained an element of surprise.
His troubles were far from over.
