Leiper’s Fork. Ever heard of it? Just the name draws me. Although we’ve now lived in the beautiful state of Tennessee for two years (landed at our new home on July 20, 2018), I’m embarrassed to say, we haven’t spent much time exploring. Last week I reminded Chris (not for the first time) that we vowed to spend one day a week doing just that. Isn’t that one of the perks of moving to a completely new part of the country? But we both tend to be workaholics and haven’t made much time to play.
A friend came by our home for coffee on Thursday morning and asked us if we’d ever been to Leiper’s Fork. It’s a rural village just outside of Franklin (less than thirty minutes to the Nashville International Airport) and rumor has it, many famous people live there. The last time our friend was there, she saw Reba McIntire in Puckett’s. Of course, we’re in middle Tennessee, and there isn’t a lack of well-known musicians (and an actor or two) who live in our neck of the woods. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban own an impressive horse ranch in Leiper’s Fork.
For the first time on Friday, we drove out to see it for ourselves (the village, not the horse ranch). We arrived at lunchtime, so Chris’s stomach dictated our first stop—which was Puckett’s. This Puckett’s is the original one (and still looks like it) and was the local village market for many years. There are now four more Puckett’s throughout middle Tennessee—Columbia, Franklin, Nashville, and Chattanooga. They serve food and, in the evenings, live music.
We didn’t see anyone famous, although we met someone better!
It started with Chris’s quest for coffee. No afternoon is complete without a cup of coffee, and Friday was no exception. So, although Leiper’s Fork is praised by one and all, Chris wasn’t impressed merely because there was nowhere to get his afternoon pick-me-up. There was, however, a cute sign with an arrow that said COFFEE—ONE MILE with an arrow pointing down the road.
“What d’ya think?” Chris asked.
“I know better than to say, ‘No’ to coffee. Let’s see if it’s any good.”
True to the sign, a mile down the road we found the adorable Red Byrd Coffee Shop housed inside a trailer. It turns out, the trailer was featured on Tiny House, Big Living (Season 8; episode 13 on The DIY Network and Amazon Prime), so if you’re into that kind of thing, check it out. We waited in line outside (tiny trailer, remember?) and two young men came up behind us. They looked to be in their mid-twenties (but what do I know? The older I get, the younger everyone else looks). One of them had bleached blond hair and was wearing a black Invader Zim t-shirt. The only reason I’m familiar with Invader Zim is because whenever my daughter receives a text, I hear an annoying voice say, “I’m gonna sing the Doom Song now.”
I turned to the young man, who flashed me a welcoming smile, and said, “Our daughter would love your t-shirt.”
His eyes lit up. “Seriously? I don’t know too many people who even know about Invader Zim.”
“Well, she does. Believe me. Her text tone is Invader Zim. She’s into all kinds of sci-fi stuff—like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
Then he said something that warmed my heart and gave me hope for Gen Z. “Do you know who C.S. Lewis is?”
“Of course, I do.” I was thrilled (and to be honest, a little surprised) that he did, though.
“Well, he wrote a space trilogy, and the first one was Out of the Silent Planet. I bet your daughter would love it.”
It turns out that Trey (our new friend) works with a church in the area disciplining young men for Christ. “We try and disciple through community. Like, we get together for ultimate Frisbee and just hang out. Share the light of Christ in an organic way.”
It just so happens, I recently read an article in AFA Journal titled, Gen Z—‘revival generation.’ It was an encouraging account about how this generation is different from the Gen X. Evangelist Nick Hall is quoted, “They grew up in the Great Recession and now COVID-19. When the world around you is shaken, you learn not to put your trust in financial security. I believe that is why this generation has an easier time letting go of possessions.” This generation is proving to be more generous and kind, and Hall looks to these students as the “revival generation.” Through them, he believes the country could see a spiritual awakening. (AFA Journal; August 2020, p.16)
Meeting someone famous couldn’t have blessed my day more (aside from maybe Alan Jackson). We traded contact information with Trey, and I walked away from that encounter thanking God for His grace and sovereignty. It wasn’t coincidental that we drove down to the Red Byrd Coffee Shop and met Trey. And that’s exactly what Trey said as we said our goodbyes. It was a divine appointment.
God is good.
Comments 2
Jennifer,
I love that you and Chris are getting out to see parts of your home state. Thank you for bringing it to all of us who are privileged to read about it.
When I read the title of your blog it made me smile. I equate it with our Joe Calmes. Remember when we would lead a study, Joe would get together with each of us and go over every question and answer? It was actually the highlight of the study for me. He and I would share a plate of cookies and a cup of decaffeinated Earl Grey tea. Since Joe’s passing, I have called my times of enjoying a cup of Earl Grey as, “my cup of Joe”. You brought it to my mind and heart this morning. When I have my next, “cup of Joe”, you will be present in my thoughts as well.
Take care dear sister and know that you are loved and appreciated.
May God continue to bless you and Chris.
Sue
Author
Thank you for sharing that sweet memory! Yes, Joe definitely impacted those around him.
God bless you and Randy.