As I'm sitting here writing this post, I am so mindful of how much I love living in rural America. I mean, you have Clarksville ("my fair city"), Chase City, Boydton, South Boston, Nelson, Keysville, Farmville, and many other non-descript blink-and-you'll miss-it towns. Only an hour away I can access the High Bridge Trail in Farmville, where I do much of my training both on foot and on bike.
Today I did a bike sprint to prepare for this weekend's triathlon. I simply cannot imagine a more perfect place to train.
I love to see how little old Farmville is so proud of its heritage.
Seems like every town in Southside Virginia has its "Historic District" even when there's nothing much "historic" about a bunch of old buildings. Never you mind. Small town people are a breed of their own. Doesn't take much to make them feel justifiably proud of their surroundings.
I write all this simply for what it's worth. Don't underestimate the idea of "community." Of "belonging." Of "simplicity." One thing I have definitely realized is that all of us need a change of pace from time to time, and a drive out in the country might be just what the doctor ordered. No, the Farmville Chamber of Commerce didn't pay me to say that. They didn't have to.
If you live in a small Midwestern town, be proud of that. If you live in rural Podunk, enjoy the flavor of simple living. Small Town USA is a pure gift from the Lord.