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Growing up in Alpena was one of the best experiences of my life. I remember as a young teenager walking all over town where everyone was a welcoming familiar face. People were, for the most part, truly friendly and genuinely cared about one another. Neighbors looked out for each other. Teachers invested valuable time and effort in their students. Businesses offered products and services at a fair price with optimal customer service. Learning to drive in Alpena was a luxury, rush hour was nonexistent! My parents didn't have to worry about my constant quest for freedom as I walked the family dog solo to the boat harbor. Sure, there was crime and some less than pleasant people, there always has been and always will be. But I do know that the good outweighed the bad and I was proud to call Alpena "my roots."
Today, Alpena is much different. It's still a very lovely city with ample character and a quaintness that I will forever hold dear to my heart. People are different though. I've spent the last 10 years working here in Alpena in a helping profession. Over these years I've watched people stop caring for one another and become as bitter as they come. Just drive around town for a bit and I promise you that you will be tailgated or flipped the bird because you're not going fast enough. What's the rush? When did we stop caring about each other? When did we decide our wants and desires are more important than everyone else's? And family dinner, does anyone even do that anymore?
My husband and I recently moved into what's known as "a desirable neighborhood" here in Alpena. For the life of me I just can't understand why it's thought of as such. Shortly after the long winter weather broke, we took our dogs for a walk around our new neighborhood. Out of habit, I waved as an elderly man drove past us and he gave me an appalled look as he kept going. We've lived in this new house for 7 months now and only one neighbor has introduced herself to us…and that's only because I approached her first. What happened Alpena? Not even 30 years ago people approached each other with kindness, acceptance, and genuine interest in each other. I think this has steadily decreased over the decades and my heart breaks at this tragic loss.
I truly think that people have just become "too busy" to enjoy each other, the once held community values, and even themselves anymore. Proverbs 19:2 reminds us, "Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way." If I'm being honest and transparent, I have disregarded this warning many times in my life. I cannot even count how many times I've wanted something so badly but did not slow down to educate myself before making a hasty decision. Many times, my haste produced an undesirable outcome and I lost my way. I recall an employment position I held with the State of Michigan recently. I thought I wanted that job so desperately but failed to do my research before accepting it. Six months later, I became seriously ill and was close to a mental breakdown. Looking back, I now realize I only wanted that job because of the pay scale, benefits, and status. That was a hard lesson to learn, but the good that came from it is just that...I learned. Consider all the ways our lives are altered when we make hasty decisions in a rush and in our own interests. Many times, our split decisions don't affect just us. The State of Michigan was affected by my haste because I only lasted 6 months and then they had to find my replacement. My husband was affected by my haste because my physical and mental health both significantly declined. Former clients of mine lost the person they trusted in their uncomfortable familial situations, and the list could go on.
I can't help but think about Toby Keith's song, "My List." In his chorus he pens, "Go for a walk, say a little prayer, take a deep breath of mountain air. Put on my glove and play some catch, it’s time that I make time for that. Wade the shore and cast a line, look up a long-lost friend of mine. Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss. Start living, that’s the next thing on my list." This song reminds me of the things that matter in life. Hastily racing to work or the grocery store or the bank or wherever we're going in such a rush is not going to bring us the joy and contentment we all seek. And that person in front of you that is doing the speed limit while you’re frantically rushing to get somewhere? They didn’t wake up today with the sole mission of irritating you. That is simply your discontent and haste emerging from deep within. How is that making your life any better? If you're being honest with yourself like I have had to be with myself, it's not. For me, I will continue to do my part in keeping the original welcoming, kind, and thoughtful culture of Alpena alive. The photos I am sharing are just a small glimpse of Alpena's raw beauty reminding me to slow down and appreciate God’s handiwork. If you must rush, I encourage you to rush and join me into slowing down and restoring our community to what it once boasted of…true intimate connection.