A GEM AMONG THE JEWELS

While making my flying trip to Ruston, I purposefully did not announce the visit in advance---knowing my time would be short---filled with family---and two little ones who require one on one supervision.




You will note in the picture above, one is in a lap and the other is cornered---

While there we took the two for a walk and sandwich at one of my favorite local eatery's-Counter Culture.  A former gas station turned pawn shop turned restaurant---which serves delicious fare.



As we strolled back to our Air B&B, we made a slight detour by this little delight-


Heavenly cup cakes at Social Bites!  Walking out the door with The Little Man on my back and the little lady in the stroller, I think I hear my name, but am not sure since I have the constant 3 year old chatter in my ear.  As I continue down the sidewalk, someone gets out of their car and approaches.  What a treat to be stopped and greeted with a sweet hug by Rachel--who I literally watched grow up.  There she is now with her own car load of growing up children.  It made my day to have her call me out and take the time to greet me.  That does not happen in the Big City.

Most of us have had the feeling of being invisible in our life.


That sublime detachment when walking in a room filled with strangers--all engaged in conversation with others---and then there is you.  When living here in metropolitan world, I feel invisible a great deal.  There are several million people here in the metropolis---so running in to someone you know while out and about is rare-at best.




There is nothing to compare with living in a small southern town and Ruston is a gem in those jewels of The South.  Once you have lived in the area a few years, there is no hope of anonymity .  Mind your P's & Q's or face the certain fate of everyone else in the area minding them for you.  That is not all bad---keeps you on your toes and exhibiting your best behavior--putting your best foot forward--keeping a smile on your face.

I have greatly missed being a known face in the crowd---and have come to realize most people care deeply for you--or they would not bother to give you a second glance.  That recognition serves to bolster our self image and enhance our sense of self.  Someone knows me--and cares enough to stop me with a warm greeting---what a blessing!

Others before me have been exiled into Egypt, wandered in the strange desert, moved to their mother in law's home country---and what did they learn by being invisible in this strange place?  There is One who is constantly--faithfully--eternally with us---never leaves us--nor forsakes us.  He is omnipresent no matter where we are---in the small town surrounded by friends or a stranger in a foreign land---HE IS WITH US!


"Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?" declares the LORD "Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD
Jeremiah 23:24

8 comments

  1. Well...my mother had a favorite saying, "You can run but you can't hide, missy." Yeah...so, sweet friend...maybe it is time to make peace with the past...I can tell "home" makes you happy...but then again, home is wherever you choose to make it...and you know that. No sense in hiding....smiles

    Love ya dear friend...your posts are always full of inspiration and thought provoking. Blessings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, home is where my heart is & I love being close to these grands! As for making oeace with the past, that seems to be a life long project! What I really cherish is your reflections which take me another step down the path of understanding! What a blessing for God to have placed you in my path!
      Love you, Friend!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  2. It's quite true, we need never feel alone or invisible with Jesus in us. HE fills us in ways that the world can never understand.
    Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen, Sparky! So thankful for His presence!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  3. What a lovely story today, Lulu. Thanx. It's great to meet someone from the past who not only recognises you because you're still young looking but also takes the time to stop and say Hello.

    The other day I met someone I had not seen in centuries. He was grown up now and stopped for a chat. In conversation he said he thought I had died. I told him I am still alive and well. He asked: Are you sure? I heard you died some years ago.

    I was amused at your story of a gas station turned pawn shop turned restaurant. In town we had an antiques shop which also sold sanwiches and cakes and hot drinks. I remember walking in one day and the owner started singing "Happy Birthday to you!" I told her it was not my birthday. She said: "Not you ... this sandwich is three years old today!"

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for always giving me a laugh, Victor!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  4. Hi Lulu! You sound so happy in this post! Seeing family, and being welcomed home is such a powerful experience.

    I love the way you describe corralling the grands. I am leaving tomorrow to help my daughter by watching the three kids, so I know corralling is in my future! You know, sometimes I'm glad to be anonymous. Then again, I love the 'being known' too. Maybe we all have two sides like that. I'm just so happy you had the chance to feel the embrace of the old places, and remember what it's like to be known.
    Happy Tuesday!
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Put your spurs on Ceil for that corralling!! Yes with the way I look at times---being anonymous is a REALLY good thing!!!
      Blessings!

      Delete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!