I still come across so many people I have never seen before.  I have lived in this small town of 800 going on nine years.  And this fact amazes me.  Of course, the people who work in the local supermarket, diner and post office know everyone.  They have worked in those establishments for years and have come across every resident of our small town between the three of them although that does not help me.  The postmaster knows all the local gossip.  Almost everyone comes into the post office at one time or another.  In fact some people come to the post office just to chat.  The two cashiers in the supermarket have been there for years.  Quite a few residents come in there to grab some bread or milk or some other item they just ran out of.  It is more expensive buying items there but you have to travel sixteen miles to get to the next, nearest supermarket.  And gas is expensive.  The diner in town has the the old fogies who mill around and share the latest gossip over a cup of coffee every morning.  These places don’t even include the local pizzeria or ice cream parlor (which will open up in the spring).  Of course, I frequent all these places (except for the diner) but it is still not unusual for me to run into someone I have never seen before.  We are all creatures of habit and that includes me so I should not be surprised when this happens.  Our circles just did not cross.

It is so easy to take your blessings for granted.  Today I was grateful I could also buy some bananas along with a gallon of milk.  It is near the end of the month and we are running out of cash.  I was grateful I could buy what I could.  It is always revealing what you would buy if you are down to your last dollar.  It is so easy to take your blessings for granted.  God owns everything.  I had to remind myself of that.