It was Gospel music week in Nashville and, as usual, I couldn’t find a parking place in front of the convention center. I circled around the block, finally pulling into a metered slot on Lower Broadway, four or five blocks away. With a single quarter to feed the meter, I would have to walk quickly to return before it reverted to red.
With each step, my high-heeled sandals reminded me of the uphill climb to the convention center* and the thought that I should have changed into my walking shoes before leaving the car. Within a few minutes, the warm, spring weather and the chance to “people watch” took my mind off any discomfort.
I have participated in Gospel Music Association week for several decades, and it amazes me how things have changed since the early years. Christians of all ages, shapes, and hair colors now converge on Nashville for the annual awards. What used to be almost exclusively a Southern gospel music event has evolved to include Christian contemporary, Christian rock, traditional gospel, praise music, and even holy hip hop. It lifted my spirit and diminished my climb to see the different people that God is using to bring seekers into His fold.
Once inside the lobby of the convention center, it took only a few minutes to pick up the Dove Award tickets I had come for. The young girl at the counter smiled and wished me a nice day.
“It’s all downhill now,” I told her.
As I rounded the corner of the building on my way back to the car, I saw a beautiful planting of “wild” roses, something I hadn’t noticed on my climb. I stopped to smell them, and the fragrance was heavenly. Heading back down the hill, I thought about how we sometimes struggle without taking the time to enjoy the beauty God has put in our path, especially when we are climbing. That beauty is often planted by others. Wild roses certainly don’t grow in the midst of concrete unless someone makes a special effort. I was heartened that day by someone’s special effort—and the thought that once in awhile we can coast downhill, at least for a while.
I hope you find “wild roses” today. And, if you can, I hope you will even plant a few.
~ Kathy Harris
Revised August 14, 2019
*The Dove Awards are now held at David Lipscomb University.
Beautifully said, Kathy! I remember you’re telling me about this; and now seeing how you’ve woven it into an inspirational “walk” brings a smile to my face and joy to my soul! It’s the reminder I need to look for those wild roses! Knowing what we are both going through right now makes it even more poignant. Thanks for roses to start my day! Blessings, Dearest Friend!
Interestingly enough, I remember you telling me about this incident, too, I think. Thank you for reminding me, Kathy. There is so much to be thankful for and we typically walk right by.