I wrote three lengthy paragraphs; flowery and verbose. And realized I still hadn't gotten to the important part. So here's the short, concise version.
My family, both biological and not, are wonderful because they speak life and truth into me. They remind me who I am in Christ and what that means for my life. As y'all know, I moved away from what I conventionally have thought of as my family and my home. And so The Lord has just given me an additional one out here. And I could (and did) rave about them with words unending, but what I really want to say is on just one of them.
I help with our year long intern program out here. The other night, we did a bit of a twist on the traditional communion. The elements were in the center of the room. As I played music and we sat, the opportunity was open to give communion and pray with anyone else; whomever the spirit led you to. As I was the background music, I figured I wouldn't get to be too involved. And then Craig approached. (Or craigory as I love to call him). Much like Kolia, he is a proponent of direct, unbroken eye contact. So he made me look him in the eye as he spoke words of life to me. Words my aching heart hadn't even been able to utter that it needed. Tears slipped out down my cheeks and he prayed for me. It was absolutely wonderful. Then, in a purely sneaky Jesus moment, the opportunity arose again at all camp worship last night. I dunked my bread, ready to walk across the room to my roommate and someone beat me to it. So I sat, waiting. Eventually I thought oh gosh I'll find someone else, and I found myself walking to Craig. I sat, excited to speak back those same words of life. I got three words out before my eyes erupted with tears. How could I ever repay or return the words he had spoken, the healing and hope he had brought? So instead I just told him of my appreciation and my desire to be around those words of life more. At the end, both affirmed and tear stained, we embraced. This man. I can't speak highly enough of him. He, as well as his entire family, have burrowed their way into my heart. I am blown away whenever he tells me who I am. She seems like a far off goal and yet he speaks of her with such certainty. That's who I am and who he sees me to be.
All in all, the gist is find family. Wherever you are, whatever that looks like. Find people that speak words of truth to you. That see in you what Jesus sees in you. And they tell you! It can be exhausting or costly or, crap, it can even be both. But I'd bet my life savings you'd never look back and say it wasn't worth it.
