Refined by Winter, Tempered for Spring

Journal 2005 01 24
Refined by Winter, Tempered for Spring

There has been concern about the boats being crushed in the ice of the river. The men discover, to their surprise, that a fair amount of water is flowing between two layers of ice. The top layer is 8” think, then several inches of flowing water, then 3” of ice.

More snow falls, the temperature is the same at dawn and dusk, minus 2!

The Corps has two interpreters. One is hired the other is a member. George Druillard, who is also one of their best hunters, speaks English, French and Plains Indian sign language is a member. Toussaint Charbonneau spoke French and Hidatsa. The Captains got a bonus from Charbonneau’s bride, Sacajawea, who spoke Shoshone and Hidatsa.

Evidently the two interpreters have been suspicious of one another. Their journals note that the two interpreters have resolved the differences. No note is made of what their differences might have been.

I wrote earlier of trusting your interpreter, asking the question, “If the Holy Spirit interprets the will of God for us, do we trust Him?” This same question of trust between interpreters is raised here.

Winter, and its “enclosed” activities have required the two men to see the mutual suspicion and resolve it. What winter has allowed to be refined and then tempered will allow spring to use its strength to accomplish its mission.

May we see and allow winter its refining and tempering of our lives so we may be fit for use when the mission calls for it.