A tightness filled her chest and she lowered her gaze. If only she could believe in those things as well.
Carter stood on his parents’ porch staring up at the night skies. The heavy stillness of a farm at rest engulfed him—cradled him as one might cradle a sleeping child. He’d alwaysliked this time of night when the livestock and humans were asleep and a man could stand and take an account of his day ... his life.
Right now, his life seemed to have endless questions, complications that weren’t of his own making, nor his own ability to fix.
“Lord, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what’s going to happen to us now that they’re taking the train from Kalispell. Things will have to change in a big way, and that won’t be easy. I’m not even sure it will be financially prudent.”
It was a big mess. One with no easy answers.
He rolled his shoulders, trying to work out the tension building in them. Earlier that evening he’d come to the farm for supper and a discussion with his father. They were no closer to a decision on how to ship their grain and his flour than the night of the town hall meeting. He needed to trust the Lord. To have faith that He would lead them as He had before.
Carter rubbed his jaw. It wasn’t the first time his family had faced a tough decision. This time, however, a practical solution that didn’t raise their prices sky high wasn’t presenting itself. And August felt like it was tomorrow instead of a couple months away.
“God, I trust in You alone. I know You have all the answers I need, but I’m gonna need them soon.”
Carter heard the front door creak open and looked over his shoulder.
Dad stepped outside. He moved forward to the banister and leaned against it with a sigh. “I knew I’d find you out here.”
“I figured you’d find your way out here as well.”
Dad clapped him on the shoulder, giving him a brief squeeze. “Glad you decided to stay the night. I never like you making your way back in the dark.”
It didn’t matter how old he got, Dad would still worry. “I wanted a night out here. Besides, I’m tired.”
For several long minutes they stood in the silence, staring out into the darkness. They shared a companionship that went deeper than any other relationship Carter had known. He was close to his mother, but in a completely different way.
Dad gave a deep sigh. “You come up with any great solution?”
“Nope. You?”
“Nope.”
Carter shifted and leaned back against the railing. “I don’t think we have any other choice than to put together our own transportation. We can buy wagons like you suggested and hire men to drive them. Maybe rent them out when we aren’t using them. But I figure we’ll probably be using them most of the time.”
Dad leaned against the railing. “It’s going to really cut into the profits. Won’t be able to give as much away.”
“I’ve always admired your giving and tried to do the same.” Carter sat on the rail. All of his life his father and mother had been committed to giving away their profits after giving to the church, paying the bills, and saving a little bit back for emergencies. Mostly, they liked to help area folks who were down on their luck. Countless widows had been saved from losing their homes or children by his folks’ generosity. Few knew it came from them apart fromCarter, and likewise for his own giving. They hadn’t even confided in Carter’s sisters.
“Still, I have to believe that because it’s something we do for the Lord, He’ll see it through. He’ll provide the money needed. I must believe that. It’s not a selfish thing we’re doing by buying wagons and hiring men to drive. Fact is, we’ll be able to help a few of those railroad men who don’t want to leave Kalispell for Whitefish. That makes me feel good. Of course, it isn’t about me feeling good.” Dad went to one of the rockers on the porch and sat down.
“God’s got a plan for even this, Carter. We must remember that. I think about a dozen stories in the Bible where God went ahead of folks and caused things to happen in such a way that it served His purpose. He’s never caught off guard, even when we are.” The chair creaked as his dad began to rock. “I think of Proverbs sixteen, verse nine, ‘A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.’”
“I keep reminding myself of that.” He couldn’t really see much but his father’s outline in the shade of the porch, despite the moon being three-quarters. Still, he could imagine his father’s calm countenance and gentle smile.
“Things could be a whole lot worse. We’ve seen it bad and know what it is to really suffer. This is difficult, but not suffering. Others will suffer, though, and that makes me want to do whatever I can to help them.”
“I know. This will likely hit our community hard for a good while. Like you said, God has put it in us to give what we can, and we’ll go on doing that. If He wants us to do different, He’ll let us know one way or another.”
The chair creaked for a few minutes before Dad spoke.“There’s an exceptional wagon maker down in Missoula. He also repairs and sells used wagons. I’ll send a telegram and see what’s what. Could be he has what we need.”
“How many do you think?”
“I’m guessing at least ten wagons to begin with. We’ll need to buy horses too, but there’s a few draft teams for sale in the area. And what’s not here we can probably pick up in Missoula as well. If we plan it right, you and I could go down after we harvest the winter wheat and get it shipped out. Can Jack manage the mill for you a couple of weeks?”
“Jack could take over the mill and not miss me at all. And Bill Preston is becoming a big help. It will be a good chance for him to learn a bit more about running the mill. Jack can teach him.” Carter grinned.
“Bill Preston, huh?” Dad leaned back. “He seems like a good kid. Shame about his dad.”
