Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Turn, Turn, Turn

 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up, a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 Our time here on earth is so precious. Every little moment is important and should be treated as such. I had the opportunity last week to run into an older gentleman- probably aged 70 years or so- at the sandwich shop across from the Market House during my lunch break.  I first noticed him as he was walking into the shop and I was seated at an outdoor table, enjoying the sunshine and the people watching. He was humming and singing the 1990’s hip hop group TLC’s “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” which made me smile.  After he came back out of the shop, he was still singing. I looked at him, smiled, and we made eye contact.  He said hello and we proceeded to engage in about a 30-minute unexpected conversation.  He told me all about his thoughts about the history of Fayetteville. Having been born and raised here, he understood the history of the Market House and the political aspects of whether it should stay or go. He is on team “keep the Market House,” although, he believes the city should do a better job of explaining its true historical roots- which is that it was used for slave auctions in the past. “I can tell you, there are two buildings that will never go away in Fayetteville,” he confidently stated. “The Market House and the jailhouse.” I assumed he meant the newer jail that is downtown, but he meant the old jail building, which now currently houses the Fascinate- U Children’s Museum, which is directly across from the Market House.  He also explained there was a tunnel underground from which they would transport slaves, which lead from the jail to the Market House.  That was a fact that I simply had not heard before.

It was fascinating speaking with this gentleman.  He was kind, full of wisdom, as well as filled with pride for his city- all of its flaws and all.  He spoke about his family- especially his grandson- and said he was a skilled athlete, who played football, baseball, and the video game Fortnite.  As I also have a son around the same age, I understood what he meant by being proud of the Fortnite skills. These kids can make actual money from playing that game! I get it. 

As I was walking away from this sweet man, I felt extremely lucky to have had the conversation with him.  I honestly wished I could have recorded it. It felt like an honor to hear his version of the history of our community, as his version is just as important as anyone else’s. 

I wish we would all take the time to sit down and learn from the elders in our communities. We need to record their version of history and compile their stories.  I fear that we take it for granted they are with us, as we often do not take the opportunity to sit down with them. It becomes too late, they pass away, and we have missed our chance.  I encourage you to take the time to sit down with your grandparents if they are still with us.  Listen to their stories and record them.  Of all my regrets from choices that I’ve made in my life, not having written down the stories my grandparents once told me is one of my highest.  It is so very extremely important, and we are missing it.  When my time comes to leave this earth and I do not want to think about the fact that I spent all day on frivolous distractions and hardly any time communicating with loved ones or with people in my community, which could have made more of an impact on my life. 

I challenge you today to make that phone call, start-up that conversation with a stranger. Ask questions and take notes. You will want to remember, and they will have plenty to share.  After all, this season will pass, and you do not want to miss it or have any regrets.

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