Call me a redneck. A country bumpkin. A hick from the hills. Honestly, I’d say these are all compliments. I know, I know…most of these terms are considered derogatory, but the way I look at it, I’d rather be considered any of these than a city slicker. But maybe that’s just me.
This Country Life
I won’t trade this country life for urban dwelling if I have a say in it. I realize, by making this statement, I may already have lost some readers who can’t fathom life in a rural setting…so let me attempt to illustrate the beauty of this country life that is so wonderfully appealing to my husband and I.
In short, country living feeds my senses, fuels my soul, and inspires my faith. For example:
Imagine a cool autumn evening, the sun has recently departed from it’s low hang on the horizon, the crisp air is blowing through the windows as you notice the glimmer of starlight and moonlight beginning to stream in. Without warning, you hear the melancholy, yet jovial howls of coyotes running the hills of the countryside. You can smell harvest in the air, an earthy aroma you can almost taste. You take a moment to soak it all in, and you feel…content, completely at peace, quiet…still.
And I’m just describing one random evening I still remember like it was just yesterday. Each and every day has it’s moments too, the changing seasons provoking interest throughout the year.
Let’s just say I have no desire to replace a sunset fading into the marsh with a skyscraper skyline and the sounds of a city waking up for the night. I’ll take the crunch of a gravel road under my feet over a paved concrete jungle any day.
But I’m not too big to admit there are some hang-ups in choosing this country life. You have to learn to be prepared and plan accordingly, because there is no such thing as a quick trip to the store for forgotten items on the grocery list. You adjust, you improvise, you make do…and whenever possible, you live off the land. You say no to social events because it doesn’t always make sense to make another trip back into town. You ask a neighbor for help when something breaks down, because if you can fix it yourself, it’ll be cheaper than paying someone to come all the way out to you.
And just as I’m sure urban living isn’t all bliss, there is one thing I know for certain when it comes to choosing a life worth living; it is indeed our choice. We take the bad with the good and choose what makes us happiest and fulfills our purpose on this earth. For me, I will always choose to love the country life.
This Calling
Over time, I have become confident that this choice of living away from major metropolises is a part of my calling. It’s who I am meant to be. And hey, it does bring some authenticity to my blog, right? I mean it wouldn’t make much sense for a City Mouse to be the Country Wife, now would it?
What do I love most about living away from the city lights? I would have to say the closeness I feel to God on a daily basis. Many would agree that spending time in nature, in awe of His creation, deepens one’s faith. I get to experience this each and every day. I could certainly list all the benefits of nature here for you, but I’ll save that for another post. For me, nature instilling faith is at the top of the list.
For every beast of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the mountains,
and the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
Proverbs 50:10-11 (NKJV)
For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12 (NKJV)
If you share this passion for country living with me, do me a favor…don’t take it for granted. Stand outside on a starry night and appreciate the ability to view the Milky Way without the glare of light pollution. The next time snow covers your country road; make a point to be the first to break through with your footsteps. Take a moment…an intentional, voluntary moment, to sit quietly in the stillness of the outdoors and experience your senses coming to life as the world around you reveals itself.
And if you enjoy reading about this life, but can’t claim it for yourself, there is a task for you as well…get outside and connect with nature. Wander through the woods nearby. Go to a park and lay on your back watching the clouds pass over. Seek God in the Stillness…ask Him the tough questions, rediscover your purpose, wonder who you are meant to be. And in God’s silent answer, He will speak volumes.
Be Still & Know…
