College

I remember a picture of John Belushi that my friend from college had hanging in his room at our fraternity house. John was looking bewildered, wearing a sweatshirt sporting the word, "college." My friend would laugh at the picture and say there were so many story lines in that photograph that the commentary could go on forever.

Owen and I made it to "college" yesterday evening in Boone, NC to visit some students who go to our church and some who don't. This trip is part of a three-day, three-stop tour to visit folks on the western part of our great state and who also go to our church. Yesterday we had dinner with seven students and just talked about life for awhile. It was a good time catching up with folks and meeting some new friends.

And the purpose for our little trip? To be in relationship. To let them know someone else cares about them; who they are; and who they want to become. College is an exciting time; full of exploration, adventure, independence and pressure. I want them to know that we are there to support them; to be in relationship with them; to participate in their story lines.

And isn't that what God called us to do - to participate in each others' lives? He created this beautiful life, full of ups, downs, joy, sorrow, pleasure and pain; and He wanted us to know that no matter what, He would not let us go through it alone.

So we surround each other in love, continuing to participate in each others' stories. The stories that are our lives. To Jennah, Eric, and Geoff, I had a great time catching up and I hope to see you all again very soon. And to Brady, Samantha, Jim, Blakely, Emily, and Andrew; it was great meeting you all and I hope we can do it again soon.

On to Asheville and Charlotte!