Last week, John and I made the trip to Virginia to visit the historic triangle. It is accurate to state that this was the place where it all began-America as we know her, with all of her triumphs and challenges. For a week, we were sojourners into a rich past, one that I studied in my youth, but cast aside in the business of life.
There was an attempted settlement in Virginia prior to historic Jamestown, and frankly, the later colony almost met with a similar fate. Between warfare, disease, and famine, it is miraculous that the small, struggling colony survived. Yet, they did survive, and through their struggles, the first surviving settlement was born.
On this trip, I expected to regain long-forgotten historic memories and perhaps, rekindle the patriotic spirit I knew as a child. Such was the innocence of my youth, before decades of life left me a bit cynical regarding our country’s direction and future. There is much happening in our world today that saddens and frightens me. Maybe I needed this trip as a reminder of our united strengths. We have come through worse and survived.
What I did not expect on this trip was the profound spiritual connection I felt when I walked into Jamestown. I found myself in the middle of a sacred place, one that demanded reverence. I was connected to all that happened here, without which, my life would be undeniable and radically different. I owe a great debt to these lowly colonists who dared, despite all shortcomings, to pursue a dream. We can challenge many of their practices, rightly so, as some were grievous. Still, much wisdom can be gained from our past, if we choose to learn the lessons of history and allow them to speak to our future.
I wonder what Captain John Smith thought and felt those many years ago as he looked out over the James River. Was he weary, excited, worried, stressed? What were his hopes for a new life? Dependent on mother England for early survival, what if his ship doesn’t arrive?
Today, we are left to contemplate an earlier people, flawed and yet courageous, living in a difficult time. At Jamestown, we see the remnants of battle and the ruins of our original settlement, complete with the scars of our past, Yet, if we look closely, we also see hope for our future. Maybe we are not so different after all.