Happy Holland

So the word is that I live in the country's 2nd happiest city.
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/michigan-town-happiest-places-america/story?id=9865005
I really do love where I live. I may complain for a couple of winter months, but that is me taking it all for granted, which is why I gave up complaining about the weather for Lent.
The lake, the parks, the many activities that this area offers, the beautiful downtown to name a few.
It is so much more than that though. Lake Michigan is one of God's most beautiful creations in my mind. It does not matter the time of year I visit it's shores, it is always spectacular!
Our parks are many and some of the best, boasting magnificent dunes, scenic inland lakes, wooded trails, and wildlife in abundance. We have so much going on here. From festivals, the arts, education, our own fabulous farmer's market, Hope College, athletics, running groups,skate parks, dog parks...the list is long. And then of course there is Downtown Holland. I think this epitomizes our area. I work downtown, on main street USA. I get coffee at the same place at about the same time every morning. I know the people who get me my coffee every morning. I don't even have to tell them what I want. They know. If I want to buy a cup of coffee for Jennie who cuts my hair as a special treat I can because she will be in shortly after me. I can even draw a picture on her cup of a stick figure girl who is pregnant, because we just learned this great news. I know this. I walk the sidewalks, with their ingenious snow melt system, and greet most of the people I pass by name. I shop the shops and can talk business with other shop owners. We know each other and have a special concern for how we are each doing. We care.
And of course there is the faith and family foundation that is such a huge part of this community. This is the glue of this town. I think this is true even for those who may not be affiliated with a particular faith or church. It carries us through the hard times that this area has encountered in this economy. We are sustained with faith, hope, and love.
I am pretty sure if they would have asked us during the summer we would have been voted #1!