November 18,1996
Dear Br. Milley:
It is a beautiful Sabbath afternoon, the sun is shining and the sky is a delightful winter blue. I wish I could be outside, walking among the hills, but my foot is not healed enough to permit much walking.
The fall is my most favorite season, for I love the colorful leaves
and warm sunny days. In Michigan, where I grew up, the foliage
is much prettier then it is in Tennessee but even here the leaves
are beautiful, especially on the mountains and along the river
banks. On our way into Newport, we drive along the French Broad
river, which flows out of the North Carolina mountains. It is
a pretty drive, as the river threads its way between mountains
but it is shallow, as are most of these mountain rivers but also
quite broad, filled with rocks which create rapids and some waterfalls.
There is a large mountain just south of where we live called round
mountain, it is over 4600 feet tall. On top of it is a large cleared
area, called Max patch, while I have only been able to get up
there twice since we moved here, the view, from its summit, is
spectacular. You can see many rangers of mountains, including
the Smoky Mountains where Beverily and I took our hike last month.
I wouldn’t trade city life for country living for anything.
I love the fresh air, the quietness, the sounds of the birds and
the undisturbed quality of the life style. Of course, this life
is not for everyone, but many people form Florida and the larger
cities are moving into the area, driving up the real estate prices.
Several years ago, you could buy an acre of mountain land for
$800 dollars, now that same mountain acre sells for between $2000
and $3000 dollars. And this is undeveloped land with no sever
or water, but we do have electricity and telephone, we are not
that far away from civilization.
On our way back from Newport, we cross the French Broad river
on a high green arched bridge. North of the bridge is the uncivilized
area of town while south of it is the civilized area of the country.
Ever time we cross this bridge, heading away from town, I breath
a sigh of relief that we are now entering a civilized country
again. (While referencing the thesaurus for alternative words
for “country, I discovered these synonyms; uncultured and
unrefined. There is a slight bias here.)
This country draws one’s thoughts to God for He can be seen
and appreciated far better in the country then in the city. Here,
you can read His love in the trees and flowers, the streams and
mountains, the clear sky and tree covered hills. While nature
gives an imperfect representation of its Creator, because of the
effects of sin, His voice speaks to the heart far louder, through
His works, then it does through the works of man. Houses and buildings
just don’t have quite the same power to stir the heart of
love as do the flowers and mountains of the country.
Your sons would love it out here, although your wife would find
it boring. There is absolutely nothing to do and no place to go,
thus children are forced to invent their own amusements, climbing
among the hills and chasing rabbits. This area definitely is not
for those who prefer an active life style but it is perfect for
growing boys with an inquisitive mind. Getting outside, into mature,
and nature’s God is far better then football, where the object
is to destroy your opponent rather then loving them. Here, active
boys can find plenty to amuse them and, at the same tine, learn
precious lessons of the Creator, which is infinitely better then
anything the city can offer. But it takes a father who loves his
sons to direct their minds into the right channel and who also
loves the Lord and can show them how to find Him among the hills
and rocks and trees. This, after all, is the highest education
it is possible for children to obtain, a knowledge of God, as
taught by their earthly father. No higher ambition can be realized,
by a man, then to lead his sons to the Lord, whom he adores.
God’s ideal for men is infinitely higher then we can appreciate
but it is obtainable. The joys of being a Christian man who knows
and appreciates the sacrifice that his heavenly Father made on
his behalf are wonderful beyond description.
Take the children out of the cites, ought to be our message to
all with whom we associate, for there they find that which is
of eternal value, a knowledge of their Creator and Savior.
May the Lord bless you. Your brother in Christ.
Allen Benson