Mark Twain said, “History does not repeat itself but it does rhyme”. I think of this quote as I have been rereading my father’s stories where he chronicles his life during the war. During the years, 1930s-40s, he describes a variety of situations. A few weeks ago, we asked him about the cabbage story.
One of his relatives decided to plant an unbelievable amount of cabbage. Neighbors mocked and joked about the cabbage garden, but in the end, it was a resource my grandmother used to help feed those in need during those moments when food was scarce.
In another story, he shared how many Dutch farmers opened their doors for room and board in exchange for farm labor. The Battle of the Rhine caused many to evacuate, so my grandparents opened up their farm home to strangers. At one point, around thirty-five people were living in their home.
One of the best parts of Chloe’s trip to Ireland was a trip to the Netherlands where she visited this home. The people living there eagerly invited her inside where she walked through the areas where her great- grandmother lived and showed hospitality to so many in time of need.
I cannot help but muse over these stories in midst of the coronavirus. What does God want us to do right now? Does He want us to prepare our home like my grandmother and be ready to help those in need? Definitely. We are called to be His servants in any journey and at any time.
A Journey Worth Remembering 