I had to snatch a photo of this windmill yesterday. It’s Cape Cod’s oldest, and is still a functioning gristmill! The windmill is located in Eastham, but if walls could talk, these walls would have stories of many other places.
The windmill was built in Plymouth in 1680 (I know, not really that old for the rest of the world, but old for around here!), and then when it was bout 90 years old it was floated across the bay to Truro. Twenty-three years later it was transported by oxcart to Eastham, and then at the ripe old age of 128 was finally placed in its present location. It’s been at the center of the village green since 1808, and is now 339 years old.
But its history goes back even farther! These old windmills were constructed using wood from old wooden ships. Old scrimshaw carvings from sailors covers some of the wood inside the windmill. If these walls could only talk . . . what stories they might tell!! If you’d like to learn more about the windmill and see photos of the inside, visit Eastham Windmill.
What about you? What’s your story? You are not made of wood, stone, or even iron. You can share the story of where you’ve come from, what God has done in your life, and to where He has brought you.
- How has He changed you from who you were into who you are now? Are you different?
- Has He softened you? Made you bolder?
- Has He taught you to trust him?
- Has He shown you your need for mercy, and taught you to be merciful to others?
- How has He shown himself faithful to you?
There are many other questions you could answer about your journey through the life God has given you. Your story is unique, and can be a message of hope to someone who is currently struggling to hold on. We are called to share our stories!
Asaph wrote, “I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.” (Psalm 78:2-7 NLT) Not only should we tell our stories to our children, but our stories of victory can encourage others who are not as far along on their journey of faith to stay the course.
Ethan the Ezrahite wrote, “I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.” (Psalm 89: 1-2) Let your story teach others about God’s unfailing love and faithfulness to those who love him!
David wrote, “Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.” (1 Chronicles 16:23-24)
What has God done in your life? Let’s hear about it!
Lauri Hawley 