23, such an unassuming, unimportant age, is turning into the best year in recent memory, which says something either about my circumstances or about my perspective in past years. Maybe it’s a bit of both. My money’s more on perspective, though the circumstances lately are hard to beat. But I have a sneaking suspicion that my somewhat dismal outlook a few years ago would have failed to appreciate life as it is at the moment.
I’ve been dwelling on beautiful things today.
Melissa and I had tea with endless sugar last night, and lemon cake, and spaghetti before that. Our friendship is, what, not even a month old, or maybe two?—and already something I cherish. I enjoy her frank perspective on life, her laughter, her determination to passionately follow Christ. I love new friendships in the making. Like Stephanie; lunch once two weeks ago, where both of us lost track of time talking, and I’m so looking forward to lunch next week. And more new friends—Kelsie and Rob and Todd and Liz and Chelsie and Sarah.
Here-friends. Laura, Sara, Sarah. Hard to believe I’ve known them for going on two years. And, by extension, the other Bible study girls, especially Katie, who always makes my day. And Evan! My challenging-figuring-out-life-conversations friend is moving away to go to seminary. Write that book, buddy. I’ll edit it for you, as promised. And not here, but always cherished—my favorite older brother, Eddie.
My sister being home; we’ve gotten closer this last year or so, just in time for me to lose her to Dan and moving who-knows-where, but I’m grateful for these months. And my brother: always hilarious, my inside-joke buddy. My parents; the comfortable friendship, even in the growing pains of figuring out how to be an adult around them, their advice and perspective and love. And, of course, Dan, the newest (almost) member of the family. It’s fun having another brother.
And Grace-is-coming-Grace-is-coming-Grace-is-coming. Probably. One of my dearest friends of all time, living with me? Yes, please. And, as always, Beefy and Amy, too. Beefy’s coming to visit in October. Amy might tag along. The four of us will be together again, as it should be. Life just makes sense that way.
I know I’ve talked about my church before, but I cannot stop being amazed and thrilled at discovering somewhere that feels like home now; I love the people at my old church, always and forever, but it was time to move beyond life from before and move into life as it is now. And here I am. The possibilities are endless.
My job. To celebrate the millionth copy of Crazy Love sold, we’re planning a day where the whole company is going to go serve somewhere in the community, to celebrate and thank God for His blessing, and to live out the messages we’ve been putting out there. It gives me chills, to be at a place like this.
And to be loved by a God of great endless love and faithfulness.
It’s a good life.
