Running Out of Time

There are precisely one and a half shopping days until Christmas. Do you have all your shopping done?

As I have stated previously it is good to be home back in the North Carolina Mountains for Christmas. Saluda comes alive with decorations, shoppers, friendly exchanges between townspeople, and the joy of knowing shop owners personally.

Here you can find just about anything you need for your Christmas gifts, including some items you may not be able to find anywhere else.

The North Carolina mountains are dotted with small towns that are similar to Saluda. Some of my favorites are Franklin, Brevard, Tryon, Highlands, Bryson City, Maggie Valley, Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk. Christmas is very special in these hills, giving one a feeling like one can find nowhere else in the world.

I have often said that one is closer to God in the mountains. This is much more than the simple fact that one feels like they are on top of the world. But when one goes to the top of Grandfather Mountain at Boone, or Mount Mitchell (the highest elevation in the Appalachian Mountains), or Sugar Mountain, the majestic view is enough to lift one's spirit to the heavens as if one can catch a glimpse of the great God Himself.

Have a fun day shopping. But don't forget to stop and take in the wonder of this season as embodied in the message of God's love that makes it all possible.