So many things have changed since last summer. I have a wonderful group of girlfriends that I adore. In a new church I find support and love. Oliver and I aren’t as lonely anymore. And, I actually know the mayor of our town. Today, he’ll be sworn in 5:00 pm amidst a sea of family and friends.
I don’t know what one wears to a mayoral event of this kind. Not sure if the ceremony will take place before, during, or after the meeting. Not sure whose Bible he will choose to use. Those are details the Mysterious Marine will know, as this new man is the second eldest of his four brothers.
With so many changes in our every day lives, it’s refreshing that in my dusty little town off the interstate, a life-long resident will be sworn in before God, his mother, brothers, wife, children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. This being the biggest family I’ve met in a very long time, there will be no extra seats in the house.
In the next four years, our little town will experience a time of exciting growth. A new overpass will change the flow of traffic, improving it for residents and truckers alike. Streets and houses that haven’t yet appeared yet will. New schools will teach the new children that move to our town every day. Commerce will thrive. All this will occur under the watchful eye of a man that has lived here his entire life. He has a huge stake in this town. It’s full of memories as he’s watched it grow along side him for over 6 decades.
As businesses move to town, he’ll hold the giant scissors at ribbon cuttings. We still do that cheesy sort of stuff here. I know. I went to one over the summer. He’ll address issues like water, sewage, traffic, crime, and education. He’ll certainly be an active and visible mayor being a man full of energy and ideas. A good combination as he starts the next four years leading the town’s folk into the future.
Controversary and disagreements will land at his feet. Successes will be attributed to him, when in fact, we all know it takes everyone to grow a successful town. He’ll take the criticism for failures, even when impossible to avoid. Under his watch, unforeseeable obstacles will present themselves. Today, he’ll swear under oath to do his best job. As a man of faith, God will guide his decisions.
As my little town is coming alive with Christmas lights, there is a sense of new beginnings. After the darkness of Covid, people are out and about. Yes. It’s the flu season. It’s the flu season EVERY December. Had a touch of it myself just last weekend. This just happens to be the Tri-Panic-demic. It’s also the season of miracles. The season of love, happiness, and friendship. Celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, life is full and rich.
Whatever you do today, make sure you have something nice to wear for a unexpected and very special event. Here I am on the brink of witnessing history in a sea of our town’s royalty and I’m undecided about what to wear. The purple cowl-neck pocket dress, or the blue plaid? Black tights is a given. Flats a must. With all the attendees tonight, we just might need to stand to get a good view of this shindig.
Today, consider spending some time weeding your closet and food pantry. People are in need during this season of giving. If your town is swearing in a new mayor, go. Find out what’s happening in your town and participate. You never know where your path will lead.
More tomorrow.