Great piece. I grew up in what I considered to be a small town, and couldn’t wait to leave. It wasn’t actually small, but I always compared it to NYC. After 5 years in London and 13 years in the suburbs of NYC, we moved to a quieter area where we see wildlife daily and neighbors walk dogs together. Appreciate all the places I’ve lived. Big cities are exhilarating, especially when you’re younger. However, for everything there is a season. No matter where you are, it is wise indeed to make time and space for quiet amongst nature. Your spirit needs it. Take that walk and breathe that fresh air. Be present and listen for the small, still voice of the Holy Spirit, who has important, wise things to tell you in order to encourage you.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”
I grew up in Connecticut--not quite as rural as Georgia--but I share the same feelings. It felt small growing up but now that I live in NYC it's the best escape to go to my parents' house in the woods and I'm so thankful for it!
I grew up on a farm in rural Illinois and couldn’t have said it better myself. There’s something special about escaping to a place where it feels like time stands still. Great piece.
Loved this piece. I have a similar story, just maybe a notch lower. Grew in up Providence RI. Wanted to leave the small state and city forever. Finally did, and it's been 7 years now living in Charlotte NC. A bigger, more vibrant, and growing city. Every time I go back now I get in the same type of "reflection" mode. It's easier to think when you slow life down.
Another great piece, Jack. I had sort of the opposite experience. Growing up in Calgary, a relatively large city, all I wanted was to live somewhere smaller and get away. After 5 years in small town Nova Scotia, I have never been happier to be back in Calgary. At the same time, I have a much greater appreciation for time spent in smaller towns and cities when seeing family.
Great piece. I share similar feelings to my hometown of Rocheport, MO - population 208 and falling.
I'm grateful for it & I've found that being from a "boring" place has afforded me a unique superpower: Nearly every other place I visit, no matter how mundane, is interesting & exciting. It's a feeling I hope I'll never shake.
Loved this! Grew up in Valdosta and your description of Tifton took me back!
Shout out to the 229!
Great piece. I grew up in what I considered to be a small town, and couldn’t wait to leave. It wasn’t actually small, but I always compared it to NYC. After 5 years in London and 13 years in the suburbs of NYC, we moved to a quieter area where we see wildlife daily and neighbors walk dogs together. Appreciate all the places I’ve lived. Big cities are exhilarating, especially when you’re younger. However, for everything there is a season. No matter where you are, it is wise indeed to make time and space for quiet amongst nature. Your spirit needs it. Take that walk and breathe that fresh air. Be present and listen for the small, still voice of the Holy Spirit, who has important, wise things to tell you in order to encourage you.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/ecc.3.1-6.ESV
this was a beautiful read. moved from a suburb of cleveland to denver and since then i'm filled with extra appreciation for whenever i travel home
I grew up in Connecticut--not quite as rural as Georgia--but I share the same feelings. It felt small growing up but now that I live in NYC it's the best escape to go to my parents' house in the woods and I'm so thankful for it!
I grew up on a farm in rural Illinois and couldn’t have said it better myself. There’s something special about escaping to a place where it feels like time stands still. Great piece.
loved this 🙏☁️
OUR CULTURE IS NOT YOUR COSTUME! #CoastalElite
As always!! Super good writing and just in time as I needed this 🫶 life is full noise, reflection is needed
Loved this piece. I have a similar story, just maybe a notch lower. Grew in up Providence RI. Wanted to leave the small state and city forever. Finally did, and it's been 7 years now living in Charlotte NC. A bigger, more vibrant, and growing city. Every time I go back now I get in the same type of "reflection" mode. It's easier to think when you slow life down.
Another great piece, Jack. I had sort of the opposite experience. Growing up in Calgary, a relatively large city, all I wanted was to live somewhere smaller and get away. After 5 years in small town Nova Scotia, I have never been happier to be back in Calgary. At the same time, I have a much greater appreciation for time spent in smaller towns and cities when seeing family.
Thanks Jared!
Great piece. I share similar feelings to my hometown of Rocheport, MO - population 208 and falling.
I'm grateful for it & I've found that being from a "boring" place has afforded me a unique superpower: Nearly every other place I visit, no matter how mundane, is interesting & exciting. It's a feeling I hope I'll never shake.
Thank you!