If there was ever an optimistic place to be this time of year, St. Michaels, in Talbot County, is it. I remember last Summer being in St. Michaels, a bucolic yet sophisticated little town that moves at about the 'speed-of-the-Bible'. Slower, more satisfying, more complete - a place to finish what you start.
Walking, my pocket Bible in hand, feeling accompanied by Him, sensing a completeness that affirms His promise of eternal life. Life couldn't be better than a Summer day on or around the Bay. The bright side, optimism, is a choice; it's free - right there on the other side of gloom, and the happiness thieves.
Every place can be, in fact is, a St. Michaels; rich, self contained, renewing, if we only choose to make it so. The bright side is a rich man's haven, the poor in spirit will feel out of place there. The poor in spirit won't like St. Michaels - or, for that matter, much that is the Bay area. It's no accident that the Bay and the Bible share so much in common. Both are the height of things bright.
Our bright side is a profitable place. Doctors tell us positive living, looking on the bright side, adds years to a life. Many places along the Bay offer a style of living that enriches anyone lucky enough to know and share it. The atmosphere on the Bay is so 'profitable' it could charge a fee, especially given today's risk of a dim world. All along the Chesapeake the bright side is free of charge.
The 20th Psalm comes to mind: 'We cry out'. He hears us - His acknowledgement alone brightens everything we are. Along the Bay, especially the further south you travel, it's the 'speed of the Bible', its gentle call and response, that renders everything naturally on the bright side. Places like St. Michaels serve to frame the riddle: is it because they're on the Bay; or the other way around - is the Bay so nice because they're there? 'Bright side' questions, either way you look at it.
For the bright side, don't forget, bring your Bible. 'Bible On The Bay' will be there.
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