One by one they scurried, driving down the macadam road. They piled, fitted and angled their cars for just the perfect closest spot. In the distance, the young soccer players practiced on the fields. The soon-to-be-closed pool had a few stragglers.
A prelude to the three-day September fair, this last outdoor concert would be replete with empty stomachs and parched souls. Free food could be the biggest reason for the crowd but I would like to think the community needed this last lovely evening before fall chills would cut them short.
Most of the visitors brought their own folding chairs and 80% had graying heads. Everyone positioned themselves towards the pavilion where the band members arranged their instruments. Rectangular tables joined together held the contributed eats and volunteers organized the meats and drink.
The aromas filled the air, tempting our taste buds and rumbling our stomachs. Charcoal broiled burgers and hot dogs combined with the fresh breezes off the nearby river. Newly mown grass and rocks still warm from the sun offered seating for those without chairs.
The signal given, the herd (I mean people), approached the laden tables, filled their plates and returned to their seat. The air hummed with pleasant conversation, light joking and teasing.
Soon, everyone had their fill. Garbage collected, the crowd settled back for a tickling of their ears. A short speech from the town supervisor and the band started to play. A young dancer requested Riverdance and we were treated to a lovely performance of tap; gangling legs skipping and jumping to the beat. Bluegrass, country and a little lighthearted jingle were the mix.
The lead guitarist paused for a moment to dedicate a song to his recently deceased father. He related his hope in a future re-uniting with his father in heaven. The song he chose was "How Great Thou Art". As we swayed and sang, we couldn't help but feel that God looked down and smiled. What joy to express praise under a canopy of still green maples and the blue of grace sky!
We tasted a bit of heaven and harmony, forgetting the cares of the world and tribulations of life. Time stood still and blessings were counted. All else seemed naught but God's love surrounded. Another memory of this life, another glimpse of life to come.
2 comments:
Auhh, you left out the best part, about the hunger heifers (I mean nice little old ladies :-)) That's what made the story!
Moments like these are treasures from heaven. My dad plays Blue-grass music and writes Christian songs too...makes me feel like home. Obviously, I found your website. I went to Bonnie's and there you were! I'm going to see if I can find you on Faithwriters too. Here is my site: http://fairieswriter.blogspot.com/
I hope you visit soon!--God Bless, Mimi
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