There is something about small town living that can seriously warm your heart. Everyone knows your name. And if they don’t know your name, they will know someone you know.
Yes, there are times when you will want to run out for milk and not have to worry about running into someone. But that just isn’t an option in my community. And my brain, for some reason, cannot remember names. Slightly awkward. I recognize them, but names? Nope. When I run into people I half know some of the phrases I often hear:
“Do you live on the turkey farm?”
“Are you related to…?”
“Did you teach…?”
“Do you live in the house with the solar panel?” {that one makes me cringe}
But in all reality that is just part of living in a small community. And what may seem like an inconvenience on my messy days is really a blessing. I know the people who really care. They know my children’s names. They know about our adoption process. They speak kind words and encourage my heart. They wave when I walk by. They help me out when I drain my battery. {that one makes me cringe too} They bring me pizza when I am on bed rest. They look out for my children when they are at school. They trust my husband when he forgets his wallet, again. They watch out for kids when they pull in my driveway. They offer real words of sympathy when there is a loss. They cheer me on when I have to deal with a difficult situation. Secretaries, waitresses, cashiers. They know who you are, they know your story. And your attitude towards that is your choice.
You can choose to be annoyed and frustrated.
Or you can choose to see it as a blessing. That you get to know that many people where you live.
And you can see it as an opportunity. A chance to invest in others. To spend yourself caring for others.
So if there is a city girl out there moving to the country know in advance that everyone will know who you are. And make the decision to see it for the blessing that it really is. And those living in larger towns or cities, who can you invest in? Who can you take the time to get to know? You can foster the same small town feeling right where you live today. Try it. You may find yourself encouraged as you really get to know the people around you.
May you enjoy your community today,
Kammy's Korner says
I wouldn’t have it any other way!!! I’m so thankful you love Garnavillo and have chosen to embrace the small community lifestyle. 🙂 If I didn’t live in Michgian, Garny would be a top choice.
And everyone in the Parma area has seen me so often on my “Messy” days that when I curled my hair yesterday… I got questioned!! 🙂
Becky says
Curled hair is not part of my everyday routine 😉