Green Acres

I spent the better part of the Labor Day weekend riding around in my truck observing deer, turkey, quail, coyotes and even a bobcat. My wife and I are buying a hunting plantation in northern Florida and we have been having a blast riding around the property enjoying the scenic beauty of the land and the wildlife which abounds there. It is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta or even the Florida Keys. At night there are no sirens, or cars honking, or even driving by; instead there are only sounds of whippoorwills and frogs yelling across the pond at each other and an occasional owl hooting. Life seems to slow down considerably and it is very relaxing.

Perhaps the biggest thing I have observed is how friendly the people are. While driving down the road everyone waves at each other whether they are standing on the side of the road, in their yard, or if they pass one another in a car. When one is not used to this phenomenon, it takes you back for a second, and you wonder, “Why would a perfect stranger be waving at me?” I used to hunt nearly every weekend with a good friend of mine who lived in the country and he religiously observed this tradition and he used to wave to anyone and everyone who passed him. It was just automatic to him that when he saw someone, he through his hand up and waved at them. I once observed him pass a dog standing out in a field and he actually threw up his hand and waved at the dog. (I did not let him forget that one, I tell you.)

Already my wife and I have met several folks who will undoubtedly become lifelong friends. We remarked how easy it is to find good hearted, humble people who are as down to earth and genuine as anyone could imagine. I would like to think that this phenomenon is the result of the many churches that are down here. Church seems to be ingrained in the community and Sundays are made for worshipping the Lord for the majority and not the minority of the community. We had not been visiting down here for two days before we were invited to church on Sunday with some folks and it was very enjoyable.

I don’t know what it is about city life that seems to drive people apart, but I have no doubt that God intended for people to treat one another as I have observed these people treat one another. Success down here does not seem to be defined in possessions or money, but in life. Putting in a hard day’s work and farming the land, pursuing a wily gobbler, or outwitting a wise old buck count way more down here than driving a Porsche, purchasing a custom tailored Italian suit, and getting that big promotion. Helping a neighbor is second nature and as common as pecan pie. I’m looking forward to this change of pace and it is quite a serene setting in which to write my books. The verse below seems to wrap up my sentiments. (Fear can be interpreted as deeply respect.)

Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the
Lord,
Are riches and honor and life.