Joel.

This is really just a story.  A story of this great friend I know named Joel.  I met Joel this past summer when I lived in Washington.  I didn't like Joel at first, and I can tell you that because I've told him that.   You see Joel is one of the most sarcastic people I know.  Which if you don't know someone who is sarcastic, they can kinda seem like a jerk.  But I can tell you right now, he obliterated my little picture of him and was one of the biggest blessing of the summer.  Some of my favorite memories of camp, and they are far and few between, are the ones that Joel was so much apart of.

I have this theory in life, that when we need someone to understand us the most, God will provide them in just the right moment.  I don't know that people will ever really understand me fully, but I can tell you that   Joel gave me a small piece of home when I was away, in such wonderful moments.

My last night Joel and a couple others and I went to get milkshakes...which, in reality turned into a meal...we laughed and laughed and it was the best last night I could've asked for.  Joel says " we can tell you why we are thankful for you or we can tell stories about this summer" Both would have made me cry so I said no.  But in that moment I knew he understood my desire for community and my love for people. One of the few moments this summer that I truly felt understood and loved for who I am.

It's funny how people come in and out of our lives but somehow we are all weaved together and our storie starts to become a collection of the stories we share with others.  What a beautiful thing this way of life is.

the gift that keeps on giving.

About a year ago I was at my favorite coffee shop with a friend and after doing our homework and mostly just watching we packed up our things and started to head out.  On my way to the door a man, who had been there since before we got there and had his work spread out over a large table stopped me to talk.  By work I mean his paints, brushes, sketch pads, and water color sheets.  We chatted for a while and he was telling me about what he does and how he just likes to go there to paint and everyone knows him because that is just where he finds peace.  I say I have to go and he asks me if I want one of his paintings. YES!  He lets me look through his book and tells me I can have anyone I want.  I pick one out and he tells me the intention behind it and sends me on my way.  I've had the painting up in my room since then and it has become a bit of a funny joke about that one time I got stopped just to talk and walked away with a free painting.
About a week ago I was again at my favorite coffee shop and he was there again.  He didn't recognize me, which I expected but I was able to watch him find his peace from a distance and enjoy his environment and let his creativity flow through his brush.  I like meeting people twice.