Did you know that in the 1500’s and 1600’s windmills made The Netherlands one of the wealthiest countries in the world? Yep, that’s what we were told.
The Dutch ingeniously harnessed the wind to create factories in the form of windmills. The windmills could process raw materials into refined products more efficiently and quickly than other forms of production. Soon, The Netherlands became a world center of commerce and merchandising, creating a multitude of wealthy Dutch businessmen, whose influence extended around the world, including into the new world of North America.
The pictures below are water mills, constructed to manage the water table in their region, which is a major issue in much of The Netherlands, located below sea level.
Most windmills in the country, around 1,300 presently, stand idle having served their purpose.
As I stood and studied the testaments to past glory, I thought about the invisible wind that powered them to greatness. The wind cannot be seen by the eye, but its presence is felt. I supposed that many people thought the wind was a nuisance, a bother, maybe even a pain when it blew hard and cold. But the Dutch businessman of yesteryear saw something more. He saw power in that wind, and availed himself of its capacities.
Likewise, with the presence and power of God, it is often neglected, ignored, and even resented by those who don’t appreciate or value what it has to offer. The spiritually-minded thinker, however, doesn’t miss the opportunity to benefit. He values the presence of God, puts out his sails to capture its blessings, and lets the divine power propel him to greater places and more significant accomplishments.
Are your sails out today?
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| Kitchen and bedroom inside watermill for caretaker |
Humans have to see something physical before it’s acknowledged. That’s where the saying “Don’t be a doubting Thomas,” comes from. Thomas had to see the punch marks on Jesus’ hands before he even acknowledged Jesus. Here in this country, man realized the power of the wind and put it to use. Thank you, Evan for your day to day vacation in the Netherlands, and how the power of God could be seen.
Thanks, Evan! Good reminder, and a great antidote to “trying too hard.”