Goosebumps

Last weekend was my little town and church's 150th Anniversary, so the scene is set for 3 days of celebration.  We have carnival rides, music, parade, food vendors and dinners, all class reunion, and so many games and contents, pies, ugly cake, beard, legs, volleyball, bags, cribbage, cow pie drop, a showing of quilts, even a murder mystery and history tour.  It is a flurry of people all ages wandering through out our main street and park.  The weather was perfect.  The atmosphere joyous. 

This year I spent more time than usual at the fall festival because it was special, and I got to be a servant at the murder mystery dinner and a judge for the men's legs contest.  Both were new things to me.  I took a backseat and watched others play a three hour game of who did it, it was fascinating to watch people get out of their comfort zone and "play act".  That started my journey into "observing" my surroundings in a more profound way.  I really took notice of the families, many I no longer know, as our town has changed in residents as kids grew up, people retire and leave the planet.  It surprised me again that passage of time and how it impacts our surroundings. 

The biggest surprise was the goosebumps that just did not go away, some call them Godwinks, when you are in such a joyful state your body simply can't contain itself and your skin jumps up for joy too!  I was blown away with the level of joy and fun going on around me, it was palpable.  Laughter everywhere, hugs everywhere, I got them again now just writing about it!  That is powerful, feeling a sea of humanity in harmony, I got all verklempt, many times!  I feel so grateful for my life, so lucky that I got to live here with these people, worked with my hubby here, raised my boys here, breathe in this country town air in all it's silliness and strife.  It is story, but never the full story, our lives are simply only our own to know.

It ended with my church doing a special worship service where six of our past pastors came together and participated in the joy of our long journey.  If you thought I was verklempt the past two days you should have seen me on Sunday.  It was a packed house, the choir (who is always awesome) had extra's join in that shook the timbers, songs soaring to the heavens, and I am not kidding, our angels were there, I was lifted up in love and was not the only one crying for joy.  My favorite song and my Mom's ended the service, Go Now in Peace, and I could.  These moments I can conjure up when I need them now.  So I am thankful for all the participants in our village, being "together" made all the difference.  it helps me love everyone!  I love you!

I hope you feel such joy, feel such peace, and are not afraid.  It is the most wonder filled time.