It's a lovely September Saturday night. Typically this would mean one of two things: either hanging out with friends elsewhere or hosting a game/movie night in. However, on this particular evening I admittedly find myself entertaining a party of one, and it has been quite a blessing.
Being alone, truly and simply, is a hard thing to come by in college. More often than not there's a function or meeting to attend, or friends to entertain, or family to visit or a game to be at. And yet, there still remain small glimpses of solitude here and again, and perhaps their rarity makes them all the better. Now, don't get me wrong - I love people. Seriously. But there come times when you just need to be, when you just need to turn up your music and walk around in your underwear.
With the evening before me, it crossed my mind that one of my favorite radio programs plays only on Saturday nights on MPB! Quickly tuning in, the sweet sounds of bluegrass begin to play, filling the kitchen with warmth only matched by the soft lamplight. As I began to get supper ready, the sounds of beautiful voices and stringed instruments kept me company.
Now, if you know me, you know that I was born and raised in Meridian. If you really know me, you know that my hometown is Oxford. Being away from that place is hard, and deep in my bones I'm always longing to be back: to walk the Square, to drive down Jackson St., to most of all reside at 117 Camp Lake Stephens Drive. And on this lovely September Saturday night, God blessed me with a little taste of home. Unbeknownst to me, tonight's program was coming live from the one and only Oxford, straight out of a favorite haunt known as Off-Square Books. As the program went on and speakers spoke, they would reference places or things of Oxford, like Ajax and Boure and Hank Hung the Moon. Oh, how sweet it was to almost be there!
Even though I can't be where I most long to be, it's always on my mind and in my heart. As of late it's been a struggle to come to terms with this, but God's been teaching me to recognize the purpose where He's placed me. He's showing me how to appreciate the beauty of the 'Burg. He's opening doorways to love others, to be loved by others, to discover things about living a life that reflects Him. To yearn for Him above all else, for Heaven, and to recognize His plans as far greater than my own. To be PATIENT, and to never ever forget that hope exists.
So, tonight, over a supper of fish fillet and mac n' cheese and a tall glass of sweet tea, my heart and my stomach were filled. Thank You, dear Lord, for a night in.
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| An artist's depiction of the courthouse on The Square, purchased from Off-Square Books this summer. |
"Further Up, Further In, and Farther Along."
