Learning to Love ... ME

It is official, the signs that say Speedway Blvd are being removed and new ones are going up that rename the Blvd. to Bruton Smith Blvd.  Otherwise and from this day forward fondly called “BS” Blvd.  Certainly and without a doubt Mr. Smith has done a fair share of developing and caused this end of Concord to grow.  The property values have sky rocketed and the property taxes right along with the valves.  What was once a big ole farm is now filled with shopping malls, fast food restaurants, nicer restaurants, gas stations, Star Bucks… and has become one of NC’s most visited tourist attractions!  If only my great grandpa could see this.  I am sure he’d be amazed.  Where the beavers used to build damns and flood the bottom lands that were used for farming, there’s now a Hooters… so much, so many changes…  Daddy saw some of the changes before he died,  I daresay he’d be amazed at all the changes in what was once heavily farmed land, with lots of big stately trees, and plenty of huge boulders. 

I can remember years ago Daddy leasing the old house on the back side of the property, probably about a mile from our house to the “coon hunter’s association”.  They had rally’s there where they’d see whose coon hound could tree a coon the fastest.  It was quiet the thing to see.  I was fascinated with anything that had to do with animals.  And of course I thought those coons were adorable.  Until I saw one chow down on a man’s hand.  Vicious little critters! That will defend themselves without a doubt… I had to remind myself they were wild critters and wouldn’t mind taking a bite outta me too! 

Before the rallies were held, the male members would go down to the lake and clean out the snakes.  I can remember riding in the back of the old blue Chevy pick up down the dirt roads back into the woods… the canopy of trees were a welcome sight to cool us down from the hot summer sun.  What I didn’t like was seeing all the big snakes that had been cleared out of the lake and were draped over tree limbs.  For a little girl of maybe 8 or 10, I couldn’t have been more freaked had I been watching a horror movie.  I remember slapping my hand on the back of the truck window to get Daddy to stop… I was nearly hysterical by this time… just begging him to take me home.  Daddy wrapped me in his arms and put me into the cab of the old truck so that I wasn’t as exposed to the dead snakes hanging from the branches.  I bet there were only four or maybe five, but at the time they seemed to have been multiplying.  I wasn’t protected in the bed of the truck and was certain one would fall into the truck.  But Daddy was there, he saved me… I remember sitting so close to him… with my feet up on the seat and I was barefooted, because I am a good ole country gal… I was safe, safe beside my daddy.

When I was scared, I knew Daddy would be there for me.  He was always my hero, and I was his princess.  We teased over the years that I was “the princess”… well when you are the oldest and the only daughter that happens.  The relationship between daddies and little girls are just special.  Dads are the first loves of your life; you look for someone as special as your dad to give your heart to… Smiles… I love you Daddy.

As my dad was able to reach back into the truck bed and lift me into the safety of the cab, God can do the same for you.  When you are scared, or afraid, call out to our Heavenly Father to protect you, to give you comfort.  He’s with you, feel his arm surround you and know that you are safely sitting there with him.  When I need to know and feel the comfort of my Heavenly Father, I close my eyes, bow my head and remember how safe I felt that day in the cab of that truck with my daddy…

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with me when I am afraid, when I am worried and when things just do not go well.  I know that you will comfort me, you will protect me and you will certainly sit with me and hold me close when this world becomes a scary place.  I praise Your lovethat you’ve given to us and hold close the blessings you’ve given me.  Lord, help us to realize you are like a father to us, there to provide for all our needs.  We only need to ask you, and you will provide.  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my family, my friends, and neighbors.  Be with each and every one of us who calls out to you.  Be with those Lord who have not accepted you as their savior and who are battling learning more of your blessings, and reading your word.  Teach me Lord what you need me to learn.  I am yours, Lord… I am yours… Amen

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