I find the comments people make about these states quite interesting. They’re boring, flat, empty, nothing’s there,
nobody in their right mind would live there, nothing to do there, only farmers
live there, more cattle than people, they live in the past, and the list goes
on. Having grown up in South Dakota in
and amongst the rolling prairie, I have a wonderful appreciation for the so-called
emptiness. Personally, I find the vast
space provides some of nature’s best views and some of God’s best handiwork. Nature is where I tend to connect best with
God and His love for both us and the world that He created.
How the colors can be such a contrast in the
spring with the cool greens and blues of pastures and creeks to the warm reds
and gold of the sunrise and sunset. The
winter brings freshness with the cold, crisp air and brightness of the sun’s
reflection off the snow. The summer
fills the horizon with the dry, rustling prairie grass in the breeze in shades
of taupe, fawn, and gold. There’s a
gentle sense of peace that can be found standing on a quiet gravel road looking
out at the horizon. My time living in
large cities made me long for the wide open spaces of my parent’s farm and the
view from the top of our hill down over the pasture and creek below.
If you’ve been through any of
these states what was your first impression?
Likely, you were among the majority impatiently waiting for the other
side or the time when you could return home.
Did you take the time for a second look?
Or did you pass off the view out your window for the music on your radio
and thoughts of your destination? As a
fan of country music and a big fan of Jason Aldean, I’ve enjoyed listening to his
most recent radio release, “Fly Over States” off of his 2010 album "My Kinda Party", and watching as it continues to
increase in popularity. This song
touches on some of the same views I have with the Plains and even some of the
Great Lake states; how they can so often be overlooked by their sparse appearance
and yet they are filled with so much quality of life. I’m including the video of the song at the end and
suggest you enjoy the music but also listen to the words and at least consider
this part of the United States.
It’s a
place consisting of hard-working, down-to-earth, quality people who want to
make the best out of life and know that in order to achieve it they will have
to earn it. Nothing comes easy in this
life, but with hard work and prayer we can unite our dreams with God’s and see
them come to fruition. There is much to
take from these places and the people living within their borders and I hope
that the next time you’re through you’ll take time for a second look at its
natural beauty and all it represents.
Official
Music Video
Official Lyric Video
