There’s truly no place like home. The feeling I get when I take that exit, see the murals throughout town, and pass the iconic greeter outside the police station is a feeling of safety and warmth. I have to remind myself to slow down once I get within this city’s limits, and I always remember to take a deep breath so I can savor all that is to come.
Getting here was an adventure this time. Three or four states, a holiday, and five airports later, I’m at home lounging in one of my mother’s colorful housecoats, wearing my blue fuzzy slippers, and sitting in my favorite recliner. The aroma of leftover gumbo wafts through the air as I sit and listen to the cars pass on I-10 in the distance. Southern and Grambling have battled on the gridiron in the annual Bayou Classic, my store bought sweet potato pie was a hit, and for a little while, all is well in the world.
It’s quiet now just before sunrise. It feels as if I’m the only one awake in town. It’s also a little chilly for these parts — 42 degrees to be exact. I imagine folks will don their coats this morning en route to church. I won’t go that far, but I’ll grab a light jacket and attempt to blend in. A morning of fellowshipping, a midday meal, an early afternoon massage, and an evening of visiting is just what I need to restore the balance. I’m a Libra, you know. I’m always seeking to achieve balance.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek…to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. ~Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)
As this blog post and this year draw to an end, I realize how blessed I am. The year has been filled with unexpected opportunities to grow, and I seized them all. It has also been filled with unprocessed grief from the year before, but the presence of the Lord allows me to also feel joy. I see beauty coming from those ashes. Thank goodness this year has also been filled with milestones and stepping stones; I’m just waiting for God to provide the sling so that I may slay a few giants.
May blessings abound! <3
Thanks for your always uplifting posts! Wishing you a blessed Sunday, Michelle. <3
Happy Sunday, my friend. <3
Beautiful post!
Thanks so much, Alexis.
Welcome back! Hope you enjoy your visit here! What a beautifully descriptive post.
Thanks so much. I always enjoy coming home…hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Great post! I’ve only been to Louisiana once. I’ve wanted to visit again. I’m happy to read that your year was filled with blessings. I hope that they continue.
You must visit again. There’s always plenty to see and do. Most folks just want to go to New Orleans. 🙂
Beautiful and thoughtful post.. Louisiana is one of my favorite states to visit. I travel there at least 3 times a year..
Is that right? Cool! Thanks for the kind feedback as well. 🙂
My family is from New Iberia Louisiana so I know the beauty of the land. We just laid my PawPaw to rest earlier this year and I need to get back down there. Glad you shared this post.
Really? Your folks are from “The Berry?” My folks live in Rayne, and graduated from what used to be called USL. My former doctor Earl Washington was from New Iberia. #smallworld I’m so sorry to hear about your Paw Paw. 🙁
Beautiful! I love that despite the things that you have faced this year, you can look at the blessings. I was just visiting New Orleans the week before Thanksgiving and there is no place like it.
They say home is where the heart is as described by your love of Louisiana. My family is from North Carolina and I do miss it, a lot!
Aww, I-10, memories. I could also definitely go for some gumbo. I just made a comment about how I don’t hate 2016 as much as others do. Lots of lessons and opportunities came.
Honey, this is the right time of year for gumbo. It just warms your insides and soothes your spirit.
I was already feeling like I need to plan a trip home. After reading this, I need to make it happen sooner rather than later.
What are you waiting for? Do it, girlfriend. 🙂
It sounds like a much needed visit. I went to New Orleans for the first time this year. I’m looking forward to going back again.
I went to NOLA for the Essence Festival this past summer. My home is nearly three hours away from the city, but the charm and the delicious food is all around.
What a beautiful post. I love the way you speak so descriptively and paint a picture. I hope you enjoyed your time home
Thanks for the kind words, Kenya. I really enjoyed those couple days I was able to spend at home. <3
What a beautiful post! It is always nice to reflect on our blessings, especially at the end of such an interesting year.
I agree. It’s easy to focus on the negative stuff. That just seems to flow naturally even when there’s still so much good to be thankful for. 🙂
Many blessings to you a very inspirational and uplifting post.
Thank you. I was blessed to read it and felt I needed to share it with others. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for the beautiful message and for the attitude of gratitude. I would love3 to see the sunrise in picture too.
Thank you. You’d have to come to the U.S. to see this sunrise. <3