Ode to Dahlonega

Spring

Right now, as I sit upon a favorite hill in the old cemetery in town… I think about how many times I have walked these hills and sidewalks with my husband and our three dogs… for five years… and four seasons of each year.  We have lived and loved here in our little "American Pie" town of Dahlonega.

The college bell strikes five in the golden clock tower that frames every view of this little gem of small town living.  A fond memory that emerges every time I hear a clock chime, no matter where, of God's divine providence and of a thousand proclamations of Jeremiah 29:11.

After the chimes of five come the gun salute and the
bugles call to dinner from the cadets at the college.
The wild wonder of young minds, just beginning their lives - a stark contrast to the graves I sit next to upon this hill.

We are departing soon - beginning our trek to New England.
And so I sit upon this hill remembering, smiling, and
celebrating the moment and the awakening beauty of spring.

Here I have prayed. Here I have walked among the graves
and read the markers.  And here I have thought about the splendor of grace in the afterlife.

I love this little town, and all her hidden secret places, tucked away in this corner of the earth- like a treasure one keeps on a shelf for fond remembrance.  I will cherish her in my heart forever. So much life came to me during my days of refreshing restoration.

The Georgia mountains spring is at the peak of beauty, full and magnificent, as a proud mother holding a new born child.  I look around and see the dogwoods splashing color of pure white and pink, complemented with the purple thrift that blankets some of the older graves. I am reminded of the rich tapestry of life - Oh if these souls could tell me of the storied history that is represented beneath this earth.

The sky is a soft blue mixed with clouds of swirling white, as folded in to the air.  A gentle breeze lifts my hair and scents the air with the sweet bouquet of full bloom.  I feel caressed by sun and sky- by God above. I feel his warm love and the sweetness of living in this moment, standing now on this hill of memories.

The birds sing and chatter and fly about from tree to tree, their soaring bodies a tribute to the call of spring’s rebirth of earth and nature. Some have migrated hundreds of miles in a single day, a reminder too of the strength in purpose. I am blessed knowing now in this season of life that I have purpose. I always have, but distractions blurred my heart and life was lived in circles of wandering.

My wandering heart has a home now, not a place of residence with an earthly address - No, my home has and always has been in the palm of God's hand, until the day he draws me heavenward.

I am part of this earth in my flesh, fashioned from the dust of God's handiwork, but the greater part of me is spirit. That is the privileged secret of life that God has revealed to me here upon this hillside in this town called Dahlonega.

I am blessed with the healing of the past and my imminent preparation for the glory of the future. I see clearly now. I thank you, dear God for these healing days here in my slice of heaven.

I thank you Jesus, for the thousands of Easter mornings since the first, when you arose from that grave and saved a wretch like me. Now I see beauty and I am beautiful.
Life is beautiful.

                                            * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lynn Stromwall is a Georgia native and has resided in Dahlonega for the last five years with her husband Bruce, and their three dogs, Lucky, Biscuit, and Brianne.  Lynn enjoys writing and is looking forward to her move to a lake house in the New Hampshire mountains, where inspiration for her blogs will be bountiful. Lynn is the mother of Rose, who is studying film at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.