Small Town Living Again

"If you approach each new person in a spirit of adventure, you will find yourself endlessly fascinated by the new channels of thought and experience and personality that you encounter."

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)

This delightful painting was a gift from my neighbor, Norma.

I can't believe what happened. Jerry and I went down and met one of our neighbors, who lives at the end of our driveway. Jerry had seen her twice at the mailbox. Because of the cold, rain, snow and mud, not to mention settling in and being overwhelmed, I hadn't walked down to introduce myself yet.

It was a beautiful warm afternoon last Friday, giving us a glimpse of spring, and I decided to meet our neighbor that day. Her name is Norma, and she lives with her two boys. Her boys are on the small size, a pug and a little dachshund. I was happy to tell her about my two girls.

Norma was an outdoors women who loved to fish and hunt deer. She scaled the fish herself and gutted the deer! A happy women, probably about our age.

She decided to take on a new hobby since it was getting difficult for her to be out and about. She's into crafts and crocheting, etc. And last year she started painting. And what a painter she is!

And as I learn what folks do in small towns, she offered me one of her paintings. What a treasure!

I put the picture on the wall with my wildflower canvas that I love so much.

It was a delightful visit we shared on a beautiful spring afternoon. And these folk here in Brookville, PA are introducing me to a new way of life.

Just a note about a special blessing I receive every Sunday morning. After the opening prayer during worship service, our new pastor sings a cappella every week. Meaningful words that prepare my heart for worship. It's been quite a treat. In all my years of being around pastors, and I've been around a lot in my 38 years of being a Christian, plus working 16 years at the convention, I've never known a pastor to open worship this way. It is a special delight that I look forward to every week.

At my new church, the first person I asked at church didn't appear interested to get together and visit. But I won't give up. I know God will provide a friend for me to enjoy.

I've already had one friend from Maryland come to visit, and two others are coming my way in a few weeks. And I'll meet another half way soon too. What a difference a friend makes!

"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life.  Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend." Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)