Even though I was born in Nashville and have lived here all my life, I was a preteen before I realized that Nashville was known for being “Music City” and famous for country music. Aside from an occasional Hee Haw episode, I never really heard much country music in our home. There were the yearly trips to Orpyland, the local amusement park, but as a kid, it was all about the rides, not the shows.  It was not until I traveled with my aunt to Wisconsin and Kansas that I began to realize what Nashville was known for. People would assume I loved country music or ask me about the stars. I had no interest in country music back then and actually despised the stereotype that all Nashvillians loved country music. I made fun of the twang.

In my later teen years (1990's) something changed. A singer/song writer named Garth Brooks wrote and sang a few songs that got my attention. Before I knew it, I was drawn into country music. I became a fan. Funny that now I really prefer the older stuff though. The stuff I had always made fun of before.  Living in Nashville, I have occasionally caught a glimpse of a famous country music singer (Not that we frequent many of the same places). I am one to give them their space and privacy, but that all changed this past week.

After dropping the kids off at school, Hubby and I both went together to early vote. I love that we can do this now. I am able to avoid the crowds on election day and enjoy this Tuesday off school with my children. As we were walking in the door to the polling place, a lady walking out told us, " Garth Brooks is in there voting."  My husband and I scanned the parking lot for what we thought might be his truck and went on in. Sure enough, Garth Brooks was standing there having his picture made by a cell phone camera with a few of the voting officials!  Garth Brooks!

There were only a handful of people in the room and I got signed in easily. I don't know what came over me, but I walked straight across to him and we shook hands. He took off his hat like a gentleman and asked me what my name was. We had a short conversation and then I went to cast my vote. It was so hard to concentrate on what I was doing. I was so excited that I had just shook hands with Garth Brooks and talked to him! He asked me my name!

Once we were back in our truck, I started belting out the words to Shameless which made my Hubby laugh. After that I started calling people on my cell phone. All my family and friends heard the details of my short conversation with country super star, Garth Brooks.  My Hubby laughed at me again and again as I called person after person to share my exciting news!

I've calmed down by now of course, but my meeting with Garth Brooks filled my conversation for the rest of the day. I even drop a word about it here and there just out of the blue to make my husband laugh. But it did make me think.

I wondered about my morning meetings with God. Has the excitement wore off? Do I tell people the rest of the day what I read in the Bible during my quite time. Do I tell people about my real relationship with God, not just some brief chance meeting? Not always.  Part of the reason is that I don't want my friends and family to think I am some kind of fanatic, but that sure didn't hold me back when I met Garth...and the thing is...God never has to ask me my name! He knew it before it was mine.

Isaiah 43:1
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.