Honky Tonk Christmas
In November I spent nearly a full work week in Nashville, Tennessee. The energy there is …well…WOW! There are high-end places to lounge around and have a meal, and there are …well…less than high-end places. In all the places music is playing or in most cases bing played. Nashville is ground zero for all those that want to break into the country music scene. I was in Tennessee for a meeting, so many of our activities were structured, meaning we went where were told – when we were told. Some of our down time found us in a few of the less than high-end places mentioned earlier. Interestingly enough though it was in these establishments that were perhaps overlooked by the masses, that things seemed ‘real.’ Shop owners and workers were eager to make your visit a good decision. Musicians were less focused on you being a big label agent, and more focused on you as a customer that liked what was played. I do think they still had a desire to be noticed, but it was not their focus…you were.
I heard a local give his definition of a Honky Tonk. Our immediate reaction to that word stirs up unsavory images – as does a Wikipedia explanation and also a Webster definition – but I liked his take on it: always open, always have live music, always have food. Period! Boom! What could be more inviting or welcoming to a traveler or visitor? In my mind, extreme hospitality. It is none of the flashing lights yet all of the warmth.
Mary and Joseph traveled far. They traveled under duress…I mean pregnant and on a donkey…come on. By the time they reached Bethlehem I’m sure their requirement was basic: find a place to stay. They aren’t described as wealthy, so they most likely did not seek out the five-star hotel in town. I will choose to think of the Inn as a Honky Tonk Hotel. They were open. Was there music? Maybe, but there was life – the inn keeper was there and willing to help. “I don’t have a room but let me set you up in this dry stable for the night.” And I refuse to believe that given what he saw, he didn’t feed them too.
We have the opportunity to be Honky Tonk Christians. Not by published definitions but by what I (sort of) heard a local say – be open, be alive, be giving.
Merry Christmas, y’all.
Steve Matthews
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