We moved to a very small town two years ago from a city with a large population. That city offered the best of city living. Fine dining. Award-winning zoo. Big ten university that housed football champions. Professional hockey and soccer teams. Minor league baseball. Multiple hospital systems. Amazing farmers markets. Global business headquarters. Diverse population. Art museum. Science museum. Convention center. It was a great place to live, work and play. A great place to raise a family. And I loved it.

Then one day we decided to leave the conveniences and headaches of the city and moved to a town with nine hundred people. This town we now call home has seen better days. Businesses have closed with no new ones clamoring to open. Restaurants have closed. What now stands is a very small downtown with more empty buildings than open ones. But the post office and the bank seem to thrive. Plus, the grain elevator has trains coming and going at all hours of the day and night. It’s a quiet town. A unique way of life. And I love it.

One day last week, I had a few errands to run, none of which were in my small town. I had to drive to two neighboring towns about twenty minutes away in different directions. That is just the way of life here.

My first stop was at a local bakery, where the owner is French Canadian. She makes the most fabulous chocolate chip cookies, among other things. Through my frequent visits to her shop, we’ve become acquainted and have nice casual conversations. She knows my name, and she knows me by sight. I like that.

While at the bakery, I chatted with one of the employees who attends my church. Her daughter and nephew were in my Awana group last year. It’s great running into people you know in small town businesses. I like that.

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For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10

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My next stop took me to the next small town, where I bought acai bowls for my sister and myself for lunch. I’ve become acquainted with the owner of this small shop, as well. Apparently, I’m such a frequent shopper that she remembers my order. And she remembers events that have happened in my life and asks for updates. I like that.

Then I stopped at my sister’s house where we ate our lunch. It was great visiting with her, my niece and great-niece. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I were still living in the city five hours east of here. She showed me her new couch and the landscaping that was being installed. I love that I can visit her.

My next stop was across the street from my sister’s house. It’s a small locally owned meat shop. I’ve been visiting that shop weekly ever since I moved here. He sells the beef he raises, as well as other great local products. The owner knows me by name. I like that.

While I was at the meat shop, I ran into someone from my church. We chatted a bit, and I encouraged her to try different items that were available in the shop. I shared my list of favorites with her. It was great running into someone you know in an out of the way place. I like that.

Then as I drove through my town, I stopped at the post office. Our mail isn’t delivered to our homes in our tiny town, so we have to pick it up at the post office. I’ve gotten to know the post mistress. She knows everyone by face, name and PO Box. She only has to ask once, and then she knows you. I’ve had many conversations with her throughout these two years. I like that.

As I pulled into my driveway, I realized that I love my life here in a nothing sort of town. It’s quiet. It’s small. It’s friendly. Oh sure, there is room for improvement. But it’s home. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Well, I would be pleased if some of the homeowners would clean up their property. But all that aside, I love it here.

I must say that if I still lived in the city, I wouldn’t have all these opportunities. Most likely, I wouldn’t have seen anyone I know. And I’m not sure how many locally owned businesses I would have supported in just a couple hours of my time. Small towns are homey and comfortable. They’re not without their challenges, but they are a different way of life than the hustle and bustle of city living. And rush hour traffic is non-existent. I really like that.

I enjoy small town living, and I love the fact that I can shop at multiple small locally owned businesses. These business owners need the support of their community, so they can remain open. Their gifts and talents and products are important in the life of the community and should be widely supported. I’m trying to do my part.

Large city living is an amazing experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything, but I find I don’t really miss it. Sure. There are many more opportunities there, and there are some favorite spots that I miss. But I have no desire to return to that way of life. I very much enjoy the quiet life that we’re building here. I like that.

I live a simple life. I live a quiet life. And I love it.

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4