Returning to a Small Town

HELLO!

Yesterday I traveled to Clayton NC for a meeting with a youth ministry that I am still a part of in an advisory role. I spent 3 years in Clayton when I was in my early 50's and began grad school. Of course, I was early and yes, I took my camera. As I drove around, I wondered if I had really ever been here. I did not recognize most of it and then remembered that I spent 20 hours a week as Associate Pastor of a church here and I was either in school, working, teaching, or had a book in my lap. I went to school in the summers as well in order to complete a 4 year grad degree in 3 years and work at the same time. Of course, I didn't see much else.

As I drove through the small town it felt like I was at home; yet a stranger. I stopped at a traffic light and rolled down my window and started clicking shots at the filling station. I don't think I ever noticed it before! Look at the pumps when you check out the photo! Yes, the light changed a couple of times; but there was no car behind me ever and so I just sat there clicking. The man sitting at the station stared at me as if I was not even there and I finally pulled off and drove up the main street.

I got out of the car and walked the streets with my camera clicking the whole time. If I ever walked these streets, it was to get a quick lunch and get back to the church. I missed a charming and delightful community. I did not want to spend my Saturday in a meeting that was 45 minutes from my house; yet because of it, I got to enjoy a place where I spent 20 hours a week for 3 years. I got to notice all the wonderful buildings and people and all this town had to offer.

What a gift to see it again...really see it! Ummm....maybe I will go back to Duke University and discover all that I missed when I was there because I was rushing to get a 4 year grad degree in 3 years! Great idea!

Roberta

Enter your email addresspowered by TinyLetter

Click Here for More Information