I know that we are not to be dependent on other. But the joy I found in spending time with pieces of people who live scattered around the country in Nashville last week – was more than I ever expected. I didn’t go to get filled the way I did. I went for this beautiful tradition known as “Behold the Lamb of God” Christmas show Andrew Peterson put together years ago. As Scott said, its now turned into seeing a group of close friends getting together once a year to play music. Brought together by the telling of the true tell of the coming Christ. A story we all so well, at the same time don’t even start to know or understand.

Feeling disconnected at work and even youth group, it was wonderful to feel some warmth of connection in chilly Nashville. It was a long over do smile sealed on my heart. The dozens of hugs I was given warmed my soul deeper than I ever thought I needed. Fellowship is something that God designed us to be apart of. We feel it when we are alone, its a gloomy place to be. But as Don Miller said, God created us with this need. Adam felt lonely before the fall and none of the animals he named could fill this hole in him. God knew Adam’s need provided Eve; provided fellowship.

Now, after the remains of the weekend this great group of people I was with are reminiscing about their favorite moments. I’m horrible at recapping things let alone putting my finger one moment that was a high. It could of being watching Narina with the girls and feeling comfortable enough to let my tears fall watching Asian sacrifice his life. The long over due cup of coffee over conversation with close friends. The sharing this Christmas tradition with Jason for the second year in a row while watching him have wonderful guy time. Small amount of time to get in so many conversations with people you see far too little. Like Kathleen Kelley, “All these nothings mean more to me than so many somethings.”

Not to leave out the short time spent in North Carolina after the busy weekend. Things went a little hay-wire but turned into me able to spend time with Jason’s brother, sister and new brother-in-law. I love growing closer to them, developing my own relationship with them. To see the loyalty they have to Jace and this acceptance of me with little knowledge is touching. Also seeing my circle of friends in Greensboro for far too little of a time just draws me closer to that state. It seems in all I say or write since returning has had a smile at the end of it. When asked how my trip was I simply reply “Wonderful”. Wonderful because it was in a city I know and love with people whom I feel loved by. In the mist of it all, I knew the presence of Jesus there. Weather in the goofing off or the sweet words exchanged He was there.