Neck of the Woods
I recently visited a lovely site near our neck of the woods. Natural Arch in the Daniel Boone National Forest has a convenient overlook. I also walked down the hill to the arch. The return up the hill reminded my muscles that hills are harder to hike than level ground!
Neck of the woods means a particular area.
According to The Free Dictionary, “This expression originated in the United States. ‘Neck’ comes from ‘naiack’ which means ‘point’ or ‘corner’ in an Algonquian Native American language.” It refers to a “narrow strip of woodland” or “a forest settlement.”
Although originally a rural description, this idiom now includes urban areas.
I consider our neck of the woods the garden spot of the world. We enjoy the best of country life close to a small town.
My neck of the woods probably looks different from yours.
However, we can enjoy what each area offers.
Just as locations differ, so do people.
We do well when we appreciate all people. We don’t have to:
- Look alike
- Talk alike
- Act alike or
- Enjoy the same things
May we all open our eyes to the God-given potential of others, regardless of their neck of the woods.
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets” (Psalm 50:1 NIV).
Thanks to Jane Ashley Pace for the suggestion.
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