Change

In the past 5 years or so the word "change" has had quite the dose of its own medicine. I myself have been noticing this a lot lately...President Barack Obama used this word as a simple one-word slogan for his campaign in 2008, and slowly began the vicissitude of "change". Those feeling strongly in their political beliefs began despising the word, as if it were offensive, or loving the word without considering its meaning. "Change" no longer just meant the switching of clothing, or painting an object a new color..."change" now represented a movement of national proportions. And, on a personal level "change" began an evolution in its own way.

Growing up I always embraced "change". At a young age "change" was typically positive, Going to a different school meant the possibility of re-uniting with old friends, or mom and dad getting a pool installed was really cool, or finally getting to the age that you could paint your room any color you wanted made you excited and proud...but as I got older and more mature, "change" became more complex...choosing a college wasn't necessarily a fun "change" as it represented a decision that would impact the rest of my life. Getting a job wasn't just something to do after school anymore, but something that would go on a resume for all future employers to see and the skills I would gain from this job suddenly became important...a car went from something sporty and cool, to something that got good gas mileage, and (wait for this one...) could possibly transport MY future family (yeah...let that sink it...I can't)...Grandparents are aging at an alarmingly fast rate, friends are getting engaged, and suddenly hanging out isn't fun anymore, and...and...and....
....and suddenly you find yourself at a pinnacle point in life..."Change" evolved from something new and fun into..."Growing Up" and embracing it suddenly becomes difficult.

The song "Everything Changes" by Lonestar has become hard to play lately. It rings all too true; Tifton has had its fair share of "change" lately, as has my personal life...so I find myself, at 23...preparing to finish my undergraduate...facing different job offers...bracing myself for alarming "changes" with family members and friends...and I am asking myself "Does this get easier?"...Do we ever learn to understand "change" or does it begin to happen at such a fast rate you can't afford to stop and think about it?

I may never know the answers to those questions, but I was reminded of something today... I ran into and old family friend in the grocery store. She knows my grandparents very well, and knows the hardships we are beginning to face with them, and as I told her of how we are preparing for the worst, she looked me dead in the eye and said..."You have to have faith, Randy. Even if it is just an inkling, always remember that all you need is the faith of a mustard seed", and with that I am attempting to turn over more of my challenges to faith, and learn to accept the outcome no matter what it may be. This may not be an easy thing for a control freak like myself, but I am slowly learning that if you try to beat the outcome of every situation you will only drive yourself insane...
...Change is, after all, inevitable.

Welcome to the South

I had the opportunity a few days ago to witness something rare and spectacular...It was a South Georgia Sunset. As I prepared to meet some friends for dinner I found myself with a few minutes to kill, and as I walked outside I noticed the sun beginning to set...so I decided to chase it. To properly "chase" a sunset you only need a few things...A sunroof, your favorite music, and an open country road. With 80's music playing just a little too loud, I departed into the western countryside of Tifton watching the sun digress into the distance, and waited for the perfect moment, and it was on the side of that country road that I found it....

Upon taking this photo I began pondering a question that had been asked of me in a class..."Why Tifton?". So, on my way back into town I thought to myself how this very moment, this time of just myself and the open road, with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind sunset, is the essence of "Why Tifton?" Where else will you find yourself with the opportunity to chase a sunset, or meet some of the friendliest people in the world, or be able to take a moment out of a crazy day to simply step outside and just breathe? While Tifton is often regarded as just a small, weird town...it is really so much more than that...It is a place where people know you by name, and know who "your people" are. It's where local fare beats out the new chain restaurant every time  and your friends are just a phone-call and a block away. It's where you can see your family doctor, and insurance agent every Sunday morning in Sunday-school. It's more than just a small town...It's home...and just not for me...for everyone that take that exit ramp, and finds themselves captivated by the town's charm.

So the next time you find yourself feeling down, I urge you to ride into the country between 7 and 8 pm and catch a sunset, or visit the local restaurant to see friends and familiar faces, or simply step outside to look into the vast blue sky, and take in some of that fresh south Georgia air...because this is what makes the south the best place to live...its what living is all about; taking in the small things.