the expected unexpected...

so some may be checking in to see how my gathering went. and as with all things, this side of eternity, it went imperfectly, and yet God's hand was clearly at work. from the start, i was fighting an uphill battle. without wanting to over-spiritualize things, i faced a number of roadblocks and hurdles the last couple of days. i had to scramble to correct a scheduling conflict between my jobs, i thought i lost my wallet (i really did leave it at work, but it was kept safe with nothing missing), it rained like crazy (i think i saw a dove with a branch in its beak nearly washed way in the wind and rain), and people were coming up left and right with reasons and excuses not to come. yet through all of that i showed up...and so did God.

one co-worker was headed home and turned on mopac and said "what the heck i'll hangout for a bit." she called a couple others who were having dinner and thinking of heading home for a quiet night. they decided to come, bringing with them another co-worker. and another friend and my brother-in-law showed up bringing the total, including me, to 7.

with beer in hand, we began to go scattershot through the four questions, focusing largely on where we are now, how we got here, and what are our hangups. i was alternately intrigued and puzzled by the answers i got. some i expected and many i did not. for two plus hours we carried on a variety of conversations, some times two or more at once. it was magnificent in the chaos and the messiness, and yet there was the beauty of authenticity that overwhelmed it. i learned more about some of my friends in those two hours than i had found out about them in months.

at the end, as the bartenders were kicking us out onto the street, we all expressed a desire to return and delve and think and share some more. the conversation found protected space to thrive. connections were made, bonds strengthened, and questions asked. there was plenty of disagreement, but in the context of mutual repsect, relationships were not threatened.

the sheer fact that no one ran screaming from the premisis made the evening a success, but the fact that all are committed to coming back makes it an overwhelming success. i was prepared for the worst, yet God showed up (ftw).

ever notice how God shows up ginormously when we realize that we cannot effect change on our own? yeah well i was reminded of zechariah 4:6 which states "'not by might nor by power, but by my spirit,' says the Lord who rules over all." it was all God and all i had to do was show up. so thank you God, and thank you all for joining me in prayer as we embark on this jourrney.