PLACES: are not always what they seem

When you pull into Pecan Grove Campground and Cabins in Lake Village, Arkansas with a cough and a splash of dust, you may ask yourself, "My God, What have we gotten ourselves into??"

Ron was not quite sure where to pull up to register until he saw the office sign tacked to a small building with an ice machine. He waited patiently outside with his Bills' mask proudly displayed across his face and when he finally stepped inside it was almost like they were surprised to see us even though we had reserved this spot over 6 weeks ago. We got a long stay discount of over $100 but that didn't stop me from judging this place harshly and maybe a bit too quickly. The sites were hard packed gravel and what the south considers grass (green cover). We had full hook-ups and full sun. The pull-through sites are right off the well used Rtes 82/65 with the constant (day and night) thunder of trucks hauling soybeans and spewing dust. This campground is across the road from Lake Chicot and depending on where you stand every site has a lake view. (sort of) There is lake access for fishing and a boat launch and a 24 hour fish cleaning station behind the office. We set up on our level site and then Molly and Ron set off on an inspection walk.

Ron reported:

that there were many year round residents, ("It made me sad," he said.)

that there were several new concrete pad sites, ("Ah, that's where they've hidden the cable")

that there were set-ups that I just had to see. (you really can't believe it until you do)

that this campground is bigger than it seems. (bigger than a simple one night stayover place)

that the gallon size ziplock full of shelled pecans were marked 35 (dollars? cents? per pound?)

Some of the rigs would not be allowed in most of the RV resorts, and some of the set-ups reminded me of Sanford and Son, while other rigs were huge, new and valued in 6 digits easily. All the people were friendly. I definitely got the feeling that I had judged too quickly and was blind to everything this place had to offer. This is a high turnover place. Many people we saw coming into the park were gone before Ron took Molly for her early morning patrol. Even though people were only going to be here for less than 12 they treated everyone as long-standing friends and neighbors. Ron and I could understand that deep tired feeling that we saw on other travelers' faces and were inspired once again to believe that there are plenty of good people in the world. The longer we stay here, the more beauty we find. I wanted to share some with you.

Remember: Our expectations and experiences can blind us to opportunities to appreciate all that God has provided for us. Look around and find what God has planted in your life that you may have overlooked. Share your discoveries in the comments.