Getting to Kingsport from here is an over-the-river-and-through-the-woods trip. Narrow winding mountain roads, up hill and down, through parts of the Pisgah National Forest and the Cherokee National Forest. Past churches with names like Mountain View and Big Rock Creek. Through communities with names like Red Hill and Buladean and Limestone Cove.
It was a beautiful drive through the mountains. Some of the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn. There were fields of goldenrod. I saw red barns and white barns and unpainted barns. There were white wooden churches and brick churches and even a stone church.
On previous trips to Tennessee we have sometimes seen black bears and deer crossing the road in these woods. But there were no wildlife sightings yesterday. Only cows and horses.
The visit with the doctor was very routine; lots of questions about how I'm doing, and then the usual blood work. After that, on to Cracker Barrel for lunch and to WalMart for a couple of things. We don't have a WalMart in our town, so I have to take advantage of the opportunity! After lunch and my errand, there was a stop for coffee, and then the return trip. Back over-the-river-and-through-the-woods!
And once again, it was a pleasant drive. These trips to Tennessee have become for me so much more than just a drive to the rheumatologist's office. Because I make this trip on a regular basis, I've come to look forward to the drive.
It's a peaceful drive.
A time to pray.
A time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
To celebrate the change of seasons.
To worship.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
("Great Is Thy Faithfulness", verse 2,
words by Thomas Chisholm)
No comments:
Post a Comment