As I was driving to Florida for Spring Break with my family, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Cars. Sally was cruisizing the countryside with Lightning McQueen when his eyes were opened to the beauty of Route 66. Awestruck, Lightning asks Sally why he’s never heard of this place. Unfortunately, the completion of Interstate 40 bypassed this scenic overlook to save 10 minutes of driving time. Thus, the same story holds true for many small towns in America, on the verge of extinction.
While searching for a place to eat, fuel and rest for the night, I stumbled upon several vacant towns along I 95. Hotels were boarded up, gas stations closed and the majority of folks abandoned these once bustling areas. If vacations don’t stop citizens from slowing down to enjoy God’s creation, Psalm 46:10, several small towns will be forgotten, fading away from our memories. My wife’s words cut like a knife, “how can a hotel survive with only a few cars in the parking lot?” She answered her own question; they can’t!
When I return home tomorrow, I will bring a new appreciation for the back roads of America, trying to support mom and pop businesses as much as I can. By doing so, you are keeping alive someone’s dream as you savor a moment in time. Life is too precious to be in hurry, rush through traffic or snarf down another meal. May you and I remember the lesson of this Disney’s movie, taking each journey one drive at a time. Perhaps, these efforts might save a dying town in your neck of the woods.
Are there any small towns you like to frequent? If so, let my audience know.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 