Struggled for days with a wireles connection which was less than desirable, and was definitely being prevented from checking e-mail and doingcthe normal internet travel. Realized that this trip was not about the ordinary or things as usual. In order to fully embrace this time, I needed to disconnect from daily routine to connect to a time of refreshing. Calgon was not going to take me away, but a cute little Ford Focus could. With my friend at my side, and "Glory Galivant," my trusted GPS plugged in, the girl's weekend began. Country Music Hall of Fame was on the list of "must sees," and the quest began. Parking closeby acomplished, the next thing in the hierarcy of needs was food. Lunch at the Hilton would not disappoint. Prior to this lunch was a stroll thru a beautiful rose garden. BBQ, Turkey Reuben and tanks were full and engines reving.
Hall of Fame admission secured, at a discounted price, off we went. The added perk of BOGO ticket for a live music club in hand for later gave us a sense that we definitely had an edge.
Starting at the top floor, we began to experience all the best of the bests in this Genre. Music was always the biggest thing we shared in common from our growing up days so this attraction we both were fully poised to enjoy. My personal favorite was the mirror that gave my body the appearance of being a fashion model. Pretty sure I was not the only one delighted with the image. Reflection-It is easy to live our lives inside out. Focus on image and externals can cause us to miss the greater things with eternal value. Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart. Lord, help me to see the heart and not be swayed by what I see and draw wrong conclusions.
A check was made on the newly fashionedmental "bucket list" for this city for Hall of Fame, then another stroll thru the rose garden on the way to the next attraction was in order. Stopping to sit on the bench for a meeting of minds until a consensis was reached, we agreed live music and cashing in the coupon for BOGO could delight us both. A reference to Robert Frost's, "The Road Less Traveled," came up, for both of us were passionate travelors with a zest for living that few embrace. Childlike delight might desribe our modus operendi. Incidentily, when we did stop earlier, we did not smell the roses, but did take them in and fully enjoy their beauty. The Barbara Mandrell Rose was one I remember.
The clubs on Broadway were packed and live music wafting onto the street from each, almost in competition. After entering into a sardine packed place where a great sound was heard, we made our way to the upstairs. The coupon did disappoint and we had been duped. Probably most ever other tourist in there had. The BOGO was only for two of the same beerages although there was no dislaimer.Seemed only right to get a pen out, and add our own dislaimer. Now that wrong was righted! Time to leave....Recognizing we'd been had, we arose to make our way back to the car.
The funny thing about visiting a unfamiliar city is that you may want to see many attractions, yetnot knowing where you are going, you fall prey to poor diretions, many wrong turns, red lights that do not change,not to mention, detours. All that in mind, one's direction can be changed in an instant. This is where the good stuff comes in.
Waiting in line on a Friday night for anywhere can be exasperating or not. A place was spotted, then a decision was made to try it. The place was not only great, the Chicken Balsamic salad was so loaded wtih chicken I never managed to make a dent in it. I would not be exaggerating too much to say it had 2 or more cups of fresh sliced strips of succulant chicken on it. What verified this was the right place to eat, their Creme Brulee was one of a kind.
Each day has tremendous possibilities for joy and adventure. As I start it with surrendering my will to God, and then following that still small voice, He leadeth me. Following after peace and staying sensitive to His timing irons out the wrinkles on the path, keeps me safe and interjects many of the deires of my heart. As I keep my eyes open and focused on Him and a greater plan, He sends me where there are those who are needing inspiration, enouragement or just a reminder to live life fully, and appreciate the simple things all around. My friend and I did not sprinkle fairy dust on others but did find that our presence changed the atmosphere of most of the places we entered. Because we choose to invest in people, loving them and speaking life to them, there is a lifting.
Even extra blessings come to us. Our hotel room, which was already a great rate was altered by the manager due to asking and the favor of God. Like the Iranian bread market I stumbled into named Baraka, we expereince blessing. We are blesed, barak, to be a blessing, baraka. Incidentily, the Baklava there was one of the best I ever tasted. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
May your day be deorated with delight today as you put your trust in Him. He is our Waymaker and He goes before us, and if we ask, He will make the crooked places straight. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path...Prov 3:5,6
