A God-packed Adventure in Luray

Before I reached the town, I saw a sign for pumpkins and hurried my car toward this farm. I stopped in the middle of the long driveway when I spied the rows of Christmas trees-to-be. Though these young ones were not fragrant yet, the scent of evergreen filled my mind. Memories of long ago.

I pressed on to find a pumpkin:

I almost missed the goats. I saw a flurry of children clamoring toward the hand-made pen, depositing coin to receive food. Overheated parents with limited patience were not up for chatting with me.

This guy wanted to get closer to me. I was talking in a soft, high voice to him. Awwww …

Eavesdropping on the families as they figured out how to feed the goats, whomever created their pen made a pully system to lift the tiny packages of food. Of course, when the goats hear the pully, off they go up the ramps to receive their goodies at the top.

Just so thankful I stopped.

The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel (Proverbs 12:10).

After I found the hotel, my stomach reminded me breakfast was long since history. I put my walking shoes on and headed to the café noted as a couple blocks away.

Except:

In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).

The town was gracious to provide detour signs for walkers and bikers. Though I took the literal roundabout way to the café, I believe with my whole heart Jesus created this rich experience for anyone submitting to Him.

First, I came upon painted walls, beautiful artwork covering the side of an old building.

Upon reading, I know I have found patriotism, respect for our country, and a place … no a people who held the sorrows of those lost in 9-11 as we are called to do.

The path winded around a small river. There in the distance I see what I think is a blue heron. Can anyone confirm this for me?

Completely enthralled, I keep walking.

Oh, the ducks! Anyone who has followed my blog since the beginning knows I often visit the lake at home to feed and commune with the ducks.

Their snuggling

Their hiding under fallen leaves (isn’t that ingenious?):

After I passed through, I turned around to see a group, in unity, up for their nap heading to the water.

Thank you, Jesus, for the way you care for your animals. Thank you, Jesus, for softening my heart toward your creatures large and small (well except maybe spiders and snakes).

I arrived at the busy café and the time chosen for me. A large family clogged the entryway. I overheard their complaints about the long wait.

When the waitress asked how many, I replied “just me”.

With a wide smile, “Just me, why don’t you hop up to that table around the corner and I will be right over to wipe it for you.”

Hop up, I did. Those high bistro type chairs. For the poem I started while eating the best protein-packed salad … go here https://faithhopeandpoetry.blog

Upon my return to the hotel, a faint sound of music in the distance peeked my interest.

Where is that coming from?

I thought maybe a car blasting the radio had driven away from me, and I was hearing what was left in that Doppler effect.

The more I walked, the louder … and more clear … the melody and the words were familiar.
I began to mouth the words I thought I was hearing: what a beautiful name it is.
Surely not the original artist.
Could it be karaoke?

I followed the song until I came upon a restaurant. There in the distance, beneath a canopy next to the building, stood a young woman with a microphone sharing her gift with the immediate community.

What a powerful name it is, the name of Jesus.

As I worshipped on the sidewalk near the sign, a woman came over. Her name is Tammy. She noticed that I knew the song.

She informed me the owners of the restaurant adopted a boy. Today they celebrate his first birthday. They transformed the restaurant into his birthday party. There was a mini train giving children rides in the parking lot, people young and old milling around, an air of celebration and rejoicing.

I praised God for connecting the boy with the family, and the family with the boy.

Tammy joyfully introduced me to the boy’s mom. I offered to interview her and share her story for His glory on the blog. If God leads her, she will contact me.

If God leads you to follow music, an out-of-the-way path, or any nudges from His Spirit, therein lies the adventure of this life.

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11).

~~~

Thank you to all new and continued followers here!

For all who are waiting for the next installment of the retreat story, it is not forgotten or forsaken. I will return to it this coming week. Today was just a slight detour (wink).

If you want to connect with me beyond this blog, here’s where I am:

https://Instagram.com/@jayjule03

https://Twitter.com/@julie_dibble

https://Facebook.com/jdibble4Him

Have a blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

Julie