It's at least nice to hear now and then...

Well, Aunt Bettye has had the spotlight just a little too long, even though she's just as fabulous as she is forgetful. The official update is that her arm is healing well, and we've finally found a way to provide care for her 24-7. God was working on that the whole time while we were freaking out about it. It was quite a plot twist! Who is like our God?!

Today I zipped into my favorite coffee shop to study for a while and ran into a friend from school. We talked for a while about life - he's leaving Abilene for Michigan sometime next week, and we discussed the events that led up to his abrupt departure. We're both in the same sort of "I don't know what to do with my life" stage; he just has to make a decision about that sooner... like next week. We're also eager to be dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ, but just trying to hash out the details of what that might look like. It can take so many forms! I think it's been a long time since I had a random, vulnerable conversation like that.

As the conversation came to a close, we took turns attempting to speak words of blessing and encouragement to one another. The words were faultering and not quite what we each hoped to convey, but I think we managed to communicate the important parts. At the end, my friend told me that I'm a beautiful woman of God and he's looking forward to hearing about what I do in the future. I could have kissed him. (Didn't. Had coffee breath. And it would have been so very unwise.) Instead, I pretended to believe him and said what I hope was a genuine sounding "thanks." What else can you say?

I don't think I've heard the words "you're beautiful" from a man (under 65 and not related) in... well, a very long time. My friend meant it in a very friendly, brotherly way, not a flirtatious one. And he was really trying to encourage me as I follow Jesus in faith rather than boost my self esteem. Still, it's nice to hear those words every now and then.