Planted

 September 9, 2023

Small Town, USA can’t be beat. Where else would a community celebration of History Days begin with not only a parade, but the ringing of a church bell, the Lord’s Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and singing the National Anthem? The village commons was filled with vendors, the classic car show got a bit rained out, but various local bands kept the music coming all day long and into the evening. A Beautiful Baby contest went off without a hitch, the library held a puppet show, and the pie contest left a good taste in everyone’s mouth.

Fireworks capped off the day, and Linda and I ran into our “Creek Kids.” Son Matthew begged them to come to church so he could hold their baby. He just might get that chance. That’s what we’re praying for. 

The best part of the day was a conversation I overheard. As the fireworks were exploding overhead, our son Matt was talking with a friend whose last child recently left for college. “I grew up here, never thinking I would move back here. But we are within walking distance of my brother, sister, and parents. The cousins all grew up together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

Most of the grandchildren are on their own or away at college. Life has changed for all of us, but the foundations have been laid, and as we built into them, they unknowingly built into us. The marks of their workmanship are scribed on our hearts, and we are blessed indeed.