something powerful
happens in conversation
renewing my hope


And there it was.

Bob and I were having breakfast with old friends.  Years ago they'd moved to Windsor and then 5 years ago back to Cobourg, but we'd waved, maybe, on facebook but not reconnected.  Lately, Bob has been rekindling some old friendships and someone mentioned this couple, what they were doing, and we decided to have breakfast.

They brought up their feelings on being post-church.  That's kind of how I see myself - not going anymore.  I'm past it.  I'm not doing it.  But I still have faith. But in my faith is an entanglement of my childhood, hypocrisy, and church.  How do I follow the teachings of Jesus and be his disciple without the structure and tenants of the church?  And how do I build them without unintentionally building a church that just "sucks less".  They were wrestling with the same things.

But they'd come around to a few things.  They were looking for "jesus stories".  People who were following Jesus' teachings.  How do you just "show up" or "love them" right now?  How do you take the parables and miracles of Jesus and apply them to your own life? 

It's so clear, I'm surprised I missed it.  Just do it.  This morning, my son's truck died.  The starter is gone.  It's nearly seven and he's about 45 minutes late, and has to take a load out to the states later in the morning and now can't get to work.  Or might have to uber, or whatever.  Instead, I ask myself, "what does this child need from me?  how do I show him love?"  It becomes simple:  "take my car, call Elmar, find out if anyone you know has a tow truck lead - and we'll talk later in the afternoon."  I removed his stress.  Sent him out.  Yes, I'm now driving the vehicle I don't really like instead of my car.  Yes, I'll have to organize the tow.  But he's off to work, with a plan, and it's really no big deal.

How do I show love to my husband, when he's up and complains that I make things "too easy" for our son?  I won't argue.  I'll listen.  How do I show love to the new mom working on our team?  To my friends whose lives are being challenged right now?  To the cashier at the supermarket?  To endless people I interact with each and every day?