it's a wonderful life evening carols and days of gratitude

I live in Bedford Falls.  Or somewhere quite like it.

Tonight, I am grateful to live in a small town.

I headed to the main bank today, to make a quick deposit.  I don't go in there often.  I hit the drive-thru, usually on my way in to Austin, to school, or to see family and friends, or to get whatever my small-town grocery doesn't have.  They don't have some things.  

Because it's a small town.

But what they do have....well, they have a lot you won't find in the big city.

Like an open house for their customers at the bank.  

I thought the buzz and hum of the party they were having in the 

Unlike the miserly Mr. Potter, the bank president came from

his office to greet me, in his Santa tie, by name.  I have never

met him and only stop in the bank tri-annually.  In the past,

if I'd seen a bank officer approaching me,  I'd have run.  Fast..

lobby was the bank's office party.  But when Christine was finished with my transaction, she invited me to have a 'few refreshments'.   A few refreshments were spread over 5 tables. 

The party was for everyone!  (Dear Wells Fargo,  A party might have been nice with all that cash you have.  Why no party?  Wonder where we all are?  We're at the party at First Bank of Burnet, where our cash is, too, thank-you-very-much.)

"Dear Father in Heaven, I'm not a praying man, but if

you're up there, and you can hear me, show me the way."

Luckily, I am, and he can, and he has. 

Another thing small towns  have are people who have George Bailey-esque problems.  The economy has hit small towns especially hard.

But in this small town, whether George Bailey, or Mr. Potter, all are invited to the table.  All are greeted with equal respect and, dare I say, affection.  All are welcome.

I had whipped in for just a little business, and by the time I'd left, enjoyed four hugs from members of a warm and loving church family, and even though I'm not 'from around here', originally, I'd made a few more friends before I'd left, with a full tummy and and full heart.

First Bank of Burnet's  Christmas Open House Punch
Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Oh!  One last thing! Small towns have some of the best punch! I had three cups, (and thought about refilling my coffee tumbler to go, but that would be tacky, no?).  Our punch server was more than happy to share the recipe (you'll find at the link, to the right).  She mentioned that they'd left out the orange juice and doubled the pineapple juice.  Makes it sweeter, she offered. Things are often sweeter in a small town.  

Really, this living in a small town,....

Have a wonderful evening.