Amazing Friends

Once a year Zach and I go to a Carolina Panthers football game. I usually get the tickets months in advance and we carefully choose the game we want to go see. Today we were supposed to see the Cincinnati Bengals game. But God had other plans. 100% chance of rain in Charlotte made us decide to give up our $80 tickets and just stay at home. After deciding not to go to the game, I made another decision...I'm staying home from church today, just don't feel like being around alot of people. I told Allison. I could tell that wasn't in her plans today so I half-heartedly decided that we would go to church like we do every Sunday. I kept thinking "today is really going to be special, Satan is doing everything he can to keep me home". Wow, how God "showed off"!

I arrive early and every stare feels awkward. What is he thinking? Does she know? I keep finding excuses to leave the others in Sunday School and get ice, go to the bathroom, whatever, I just don't want to talk with anyone right now.

Time for class to start, what happened next was unexpected. "Does anyone have any prayer requests?"...I sure do, but I don't know if I can talk...I try, I can't seem to form words. I put a few together and then....dear Jesus, your children are amazing. Laying on of hands, sobs, sniffles, the Holy Spirit moving in an incredible way. I'm speechless. The prayer was perfect, thanks Kevin, you'll never know just how that made me feel.

The rest of the class time seems different somehow. I don't think anyone's mind is really on the lesson. Katie did a terrific job (as always) but I could tell it was hard for her. No one said alot, great job Chris, buzzkill! The bell rings, you know like it always does, I mean life DOES go on. It doesn't stop just because someone is having a bad day, it doesn't even stop when someone finds out they have cancer. There's something just not quite right about that.

Praise the Lord, 6 were baptized! With all the emotion in the room it was all I could do not to breakdown again. Time for the offering prayer, its Kevin's week. (have I mentioned God is good?). He continues where he left off in Sunday School...more sobs, more sniffles. Great message (as always).

Lots of hugs, teary eyes, "I'm sorry", "We're praying for you", "Let us know if you need anything"... I've said all those things a thousand times to others. This time its directed toward me. God, when I say it am I as sincere as these people saying it to me? I sure hope so.

I have amazing friends...I am truly blessed.