The weather has been mild this past week. Aahhh. We say. The winter has been cold and any snow is too much for me, so I’m happy with the sunny warmer days. I’ve begun taking walks around this very small town of mine. I’ve never lived here in the springtime, so it will be interesting to see how well neighbors care for their properties. Oh. I’ve already decided that it would be very appropriate to start a beautification project in this small village, but I’m sure it might ruffle some feathers. I see many homes that need some sprucing up. There’s mildew on the exterior in some places. There are unruly leftovers from past gardens. I’ve spotted multiple vehicles that have never moved from their spot in the past six months I’ve lived here. And I’ve read that this village has a problem with feral cats, none of which I’ve seen.

Oh sure. I saw the American flag waving in the cool breeze, but I also spotted a couple of leftover political signs that should have been removed after the fall election. I noticed some boarded up windows in multiple houses, and I wonder what has happened to cause them to be vacant. Even a local church boasts the same look. In one home, the blinds have been drawn so no one can even get a glimpse of any movement in the house. I hear dogs barking in other houses as I walk past, but I see no one.

I passed a couple walking their dogs a few days ago, but they wouldn’t even look in my direction. I know they had to see me walking their way, but they gave not a hint of friendliness. Perhaps not everyone in this town is friendly. Or. Perhaps they’re just cautious about anyone unfamiliar walking their streets. It’s also the time of year that the golf carts start circling the country de sac where I live. Apparently, it will be an interesting first spring in this new home of mine.

As I move through the town, I’m pleasantly surprised to discover the brick sidewalks that line many streets. Some of the residents have kept these vintage sidewalks in mint condition, while others have allowed grass to cover them. If you didn’t know the bricks were in place in some areas, you would never even suspect what is below the surface. If only all the homeowners along those streets would uncover the bricks and let them shine. They’re a throwback to the days of old when this town was once a thriving place. I’m sure some homeowners aren’t interested in maintaining these unique reminders of the past, so they have allowed the bricks to be hidden. It’s a reminder that perhaps this small village is dying for a reason.

I have no idea of the history of this place. I wonder if the very small library holds information of the town’s humble beginnings. I see the empty and unused storefronts that once housed long ago closed businesses. I can just imagine the horses and buggies parked out front, but not many people walk this part of town any longer. Oh sure. There is a bank. And a post office. There’s a town hall and a seldom used funeral home. I’ve visited the antique shop that’s open two days a week. Oh. And there’s a bar that’s open each evening. I’ve also driven past the cemetery on the edge of town. And let’s not forget the corporate grain elevator that sends trains down the tracks at all hours of the night. Across the interstate, I can see two ugly solar farms. That’s someone’s idea of progress. But others have a differing opinion on the topic of those windmills. I see signs posted on the side of a barn and along the roadside sharing their thoughts on that sore subject.

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Yet I am confident I will see the Lord ’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Psalms 27:13

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I know of several homes in foreclosure in this town. Mine was one of those at this time last year. Fortunately, it’s been saved and we’re now called the proud owners. The house next door is in the same predicament. I think I spied a final walk through of the house one day this week. We’ll see what the future holds over there. It would be nice to have another set of good neighbors. So far, I’ve only met a handful of neighbors, and others wave as they drive past.

When we moved here six months ago, we had no idea what was in store for us. Aside from all the needed repairs to the house, living here has been a nice change of pace. Slowing down and settling in to a new home, village and church feels good. It still feels like we made the right decision to pack up and move two states over. At this point, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I know change can be hard, but at times it’s necessary and welcoming. At other times, change comes and it’s out of our control. We just have to roll with the punches. So far, this change hasn’t felt like a gut punch, but there have been some unpleasant finds with this home that we’ve had to weather. But life is good. And I foresee many more good days ahead.

Who knows. Trouble can come tomorrow, and we must know it’s always around the corner. But we shoulder through each day, because it’s the only one we’ve got. We’ll face tomorrow’s troubles tomorrow. Today has enough of it’s own. And even whether the sun is shining or not, God is always good.

Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 107:1

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8