Sitting in a small town restaurant The Happy Hog barbeque listening to musician playing modern songs and old favorites. It is an eclectic venue of different colors and ages and styles. All coming together with only eating and enjoying the music and company of strangers without fear.
I sit with two new friends who thoughtfully asked me to join them, and we grow closer as we talk and laugh and live while we remember others whom we no longer get to see. Healing each other through pure kindness, a gift of God that few realize these days.
Observing as life happens around me and visions revolve around my heart, I see a young waitress arrive to work with a smile on her face. She is ready to serve, not just her job but friends she is yet to meet. Older folks were seated, sharing their souls with their companions, unconcerned with the tumoil of the world.....a precious moment of relief and release.
A young man walks by with his new mustache barely darkening his lip. Unaware of the treasures around him he finds a seat for himself and his phone. He reminds me of when I was his age with my whisper of manly hair on my lip. I remember how proud that I was to be the first in my 5th grade class to start one. I was small and skinny with hair growing long unaware of my treasures my words and my song.
Memories are born without notice and surround us and live in what we see and hear and feel. Tonight I am surrounded by smiles and happy chatter, beautiful music and peace. A moment in time when the world does not matter: a God blessed and given reprieve. A gracious host serving with a true smile, good food and drink to feed not just the belly but also the heart.
This is not a place or time "where everybody knows your name," but a place and time that will remember and know your name: stored in one's memory to be relived over and over by you and those you have shared it with.
When you are out with family and freinds, don't waste the time just filling your stomach. Invest the time wisely by filling your soul. Look around and listen and absorb life before it passes you by.