What’s your claim to fame? As the old saying goes, “everybody dies famous in a small town.” You know I was Pinocchio in the Children’s Parade in my hometown. I worked hard on that Paper Mache head; I even had a long nose that I worked tirelessly on. I remember clumsily walking around in the parade, not really being able to see where I was going. Another time, in the same parade, I was one of those girls in a fancy hoop skirt. Mine was red and I rode in a wagon with other girls dressed similarly. Today, marks 50 years of our town’s festival Christmas on the River. Our little town shined brightly and could have very well been the center of the Hallmark movie. As I watched the parade roll by, I found myself watching spectators. Their faces would light up and they would begin to yell to a parade participant as he or she came by. Equally excited was the parade participant. They would beam with pride as they were waved to or called by name.

Life’s a lot like a small-town parade. Sometimes we are in the parade, and sometimes we are spectators. Both roles are equally important and at different times. When we can’t be the ones in the parade, it is important that we support the ones that are. When we are in the parade, it is our job to show our appreciation and enjoy the moment.

This year, I’m very much having to be a spectator in the parade of life. What’s interesting though, is that you all have been cheering me on as if I was riding on a float. You’ve gone out of your way to hug me, ask me how I am and leave me with encouraging words. I cannot begin to tell you how much that means to me. A dear friend went out of the way to visit before having to head back to Tuscaloosa. Those 5 minutes meant more to me than I can ever express.

Every day can’t be a parade but how we choose to interact with each other is important. Taking time to listen, leave a positive word, and be supportive can make for a better world. Every day I am learning more about the every day gifts God gives us. I hope that through all of this, I can be someone’s cheerleader, encourager and giver of big hugs.

I love my small town, and I love all of you.