Still Dancing In The Streets (To Me, Anyway)

"You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil." ... Isaiah 9:3

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 Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Nearly 20 years ago when Naomi and I arrived at the Buffalo Airport to meet Tom (who'd lived here 10 weeks preparing things for us), I remember immediately feeling  joy in the air. We'd flown from Nevada where, well, uhm... I never quite got that joy-in-the-air feeling, but at the Buffalo Airport! Oh, as I watched the happy people hugging and laughing around me, I felt as though Buffalo was a city of people dancing in the streets.

In fact, when we eventually stepped outside of the airport doors, I remember feeling surprised that people weren't actually dancing out there. That's how real the happiness felt within me, like the sweet relief of finally coming home to where I belonged, to where I'd wanted to live since age 16.

And now, 2 long decades later? I've never lost that feeling ... and that is why I loved, loved, loved this photo, above, which was taken yesterday by a local news station at a St. Patrick's Day parade. For me, that picture is so close to what I glimpsed within my head and heart when God planted me here 20 years ago. And that's still how I see Buffalo, even today--a city full of happy people.

And I am grateful.


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The above photo came to me through my local news' Facebook page--I would have missed-out, otherwise--yikes!

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Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing for me;  
Thou hast put off my sackcloth;
Thou hast turned my mourning into dancing for me,  
And girded me with gladness;
To the end my glory may sing praise unto Thee,  
And not be silent.
O Lord my God, 
I will give thanks unto Thee forever.

(Click any line of that song and you'll be able to hear the tune of it. An old time favorite of mine--does anyone else remember and love this one as I do?)

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A special thanks to you who wished me a happy birthday here at Blogger and over at Facebook, also! Your good wishes kept coming all day long, warming my heart and making me smile. Thanks so much! I had a lovely day, especially when the sun finally decided to come out and stay. :)

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