JUST A TRACE...
The last few weeks have been slammed for me and "my job that pays the bills". Most of you know that I work for an Educational Company, with focus on Music, Health & PE, Social Emotional Learning, and PreK. I have the privilege and responsibility of traveling and working with Educational Professionals and Counselors throughout the South and Pennsylvania. With schools starting back, the last few weeks have been packed full with meetings, seminars, and training, which most of these I have led or co-led. And lots of travel. This past week ended with me in Tupelo, Mississippi, a great Southern Town, primarily known as the birthplace of Elvis Pressley, but also a major exit off of the Natchez Trace Parkway. So, after wrapping up what I needed to do in Tupelo, I decided to come home driving up the Trace.
If you have never taken time to drive the Trace, I recommend you do so. But give yourself plenty of time. The Natchez Trace is part of our National Park System. It is a "cousin" to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Virginia and North Carolina mountains, and the Foothills Parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains. Along the 444 miles of the Trace, there are tons of pull offs with historic markers, hiking trails, Indian mounds, overlooks, and more. Merriweather Lewis (of Lewis & Clark) is buried off of the Trace.
One of my favorite stops is Fall Hollow Waterfall. Right off the road, there is a short hike and even a platform where you can just look around and enjoy God's creation while listening to the beautiful sound of the rushing water as it races down and over the rocks creating the falls. (With our recent rains, the water level was good too). The sound of the water and whisper of the gentle wind is music to my ears! I was alone, in this beautiful tranquil stop enjoying nature. As I listened to the beautiful soothing sounds, and looked at the beauty, I paused, thanked God and was still. This moment of renewal would not have happened if I had kept driving, but I took time to stop. And I am so glad I did.
We are fortunate to be surrounded with the beauty of God's creation. Though in the sweltering triple digit heat it is hard to imagine, that all is not that far away. I want to encourage you, even in your busiest of weeks, that maybe you find a sweet spot to pull off, sit, be still, enjoy and renew. Our God, the Creator told Jeremiah (31:25) "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish."
I thank God for His incredible handiwork. It is so awesome, yet we can experience His presence in a simple leaf surfing down the flowing creek. And we can be replenished. Take a drive on the NTP. You may find a place that you too will feel replenished. After all, It is more than just a Trace.
Fall Hollow Waterfall
Sunday is going to be an awesome day at Fernvale Community Church. We will begin with incredible Bible Study, followed by a wonderful time of Worship, and ending with a delicious, and fun time of food and fellowship with our Potluck lunch. In worship we will take a look at another short, but important book, in the New Testament - Jude. Please join us Sunday. And, Always Remember...
YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)