Up Five

I am taken back to Friday...

When I was happy.

     We were coming back from First Friday.  I was headed to the nearest Redbox, which was at the McDonald's on GB and Texas.  But 2818 called my name.  The beauty of the night and the smooth shadows on the road beckoned.  The stars were aligned; we cruised through green light after green light.   And that is when the song came on.  'More Than Life' by Whitley  It was one of those eternal moments.  When life is...perfect.  Amid all the sorrow and heartache and loneliness and despair that life can bring...especially to a striving Christian...I was safe.  I was content.  In every aspect.

     It was a moment that you know will be short lived, and one in which you are aware that difficult times very likely lie ahead.  Uncertainty prevails, but does not overwhelm, because you realize that moments, nights, life can be this way.  And I can make it.

     When Andrus and I had first arrived in Bryan to begin exploring, we passed a man reading on a bench.  I knew his gig, and picked up the pace and firmness of step to avoid the inevitable call for cash.  Andrus, however, not only makes and maintains eye contact, but pauses to ask the man to repeat what he said.  Once we hear him again, Andrus responds that she has no cash (true), and then proceeds to turn and look directly at me.  The man follows her gaze, and I respond with the same (false).  He takes the news graciously, and continues reading.  Andrus and I continue on for about seven steps, my conscience weighing me down with each new step.  I am trying to rebuke Andrus for pausing and engaging, but I break off midway.  I return to the man with the three singles I had in my wallet.  After an odd exchange of "God bless" and "I remember the days(?)," plus an extremely odd fist bump/four-finger handshake, I continued my evening with my girlfriend.  We had a great time, observing art and window shopping.
     There are so many beautiful people and places and things in the world.  You just have to know where to look.
     We ate at Cafe Capri, and discussed food and dreams and happiness.  On our way back, we passed a man who was sticking out his thumb.  I passed by, but the lead in my foot found its way to my heart.  I turned around and had the man hop in the back.  He was going to the gas station, and said something about buying him beer.  I refused, but continued with the ride.  We got the the station, and Andrus dropped the window down a bit.  He thanked us profusely, insisting that no one else would have picked him up.  He shoved eight buck in the window, urging us to take it.  We refused, as it was merely a gift, but after quite a discussion, he dropped the money in the window.
-$3
+$8
$5
Plus five on the night.  God just loves playing jokes on us.

Lord God, Thank you for your love.  Please bless those who are broken-hearted tonight, those who have been scarred and need redemption and forgiveness.  Manifest youreself in our lives and actions; speak to us in dreams and visions and revelations.  Draw us away from things of this world and nearer to you.  Let us dwell in your house, feasting at your table, and basking in your grace.  Break our hearts for those who others reject, and break our hearts for those who we reject.  Thank you for Triste.  Give us wisdom and hope.
Give us hope.
Thank you for your love.  Thank you for the vine you planted, your Son; thank you for Bible class and sermons and songs and songs and songs.  I love you, Lord.

-G