Today, I think things are going to be OK

Hi

I just returned from a brief vacation to the Outer Banks. We stayed three nights in Manteo on Roanoke Island and three nights on the beach in Buxton. I talked to the landlords and merchants about the state of our economy and more importantly the state of their economy. I was somewhat heartened by what I saw and heard. Most folks, while horrified, by the events in Washington, D.C. and New York City have concluded that things were not all that bad on the Outer Banks. Our hostess at the B&B in Manteo felt that occupancy was holding up OK, but rising insurance costs were threatening her business. She was thankful for her husband’s military pension. The owner of an estate and antique jewelry store though business was OK, but he was worried. The general theory is that people who might have travelled to Europe or Hawaii are staying close to home, so things are generally OK on the beaches of North Carolina. I noticed that when I called and asked about three nights on the beach, that ocean view rooms were available and I was offered 20% in discounts. When I was waiting at the check in counter, I heard the desk agent tell a customer that a week’s stay was the minimum during peak season. Some mixed messages here. Prices subject to relatively inelastic demand such as gasoline and food (both at the grocery store in Buxton and the restaurants) are climbing, while prices on items on sale in the knick knack and souvenir shops are significantly discounted and still don’t appear to be moving as well as in years past. Americans seem to be finding a way to live without colored glass dust catchers and pirate flags. A few souvenir shops and restaurants have recently gone out of business or are having going out of business sales, but at most of the stores it looked like foot traffic was OK even if the volume and profits were down a bit.

The work ethic and optimism of the local entrepreneurs encouraged me. They thought they were going to be OK. They were not going to give up. More importantly, I watched families on vacation. Screeching little children were running around the pool and in the surf. Boys were wrestling and hitting each other with pool toys, while their sisters were pretending to be ballerinas. Fathers were playing catch with their offspring, fishing, or just drinking beer. Moms were lying on the poolside chaise lounges catching some rays, or reading romance novels, or networking with other moms. Grandparents were doting on their grandchildren. Young couples were playing huggy bear and kissy face. Teenagers were practicing with members of the opposite sex. Boys with surfboards and sometimes tattoos were trying very hard to be cool. While eating home made ice cream and watching a parrot named Tarkay perform, I heard three teenaged girls discussing the absurdity of covering their bathing suits after leaving the beach. Evidently someone wanted to dress their daughters in burkas.

I heard Rings by Cymarron “Ring, ring, telephone ring.” for the first time in years while sitting on a rocking chair in front of a knick knack shop. A sweet little song, it reminded me of a time long ago. Someday the teenagers trying to make sense of each other I saw in the pool and on the beach will have memories of this time in their life. In not all that many years, they will be sitting on a rocking chair or shopping with their grandchildren and some song I have never heard will bring a tear to their eyes and a smile to their faces.

Life and faith are not unlike the ocean. Always changing but forever the same.

Here is the link to “Rings.” If you are old, listen and remember what it was like to be young. If you are young rejoice in your youth and give thanks to the God who made you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um-x9fmXQrE