Saints and hot sauce

WOW. Winterfest is always a highpoint in the year for so many people. Whether its the size, (12,000 teenagers), Jeff Walling, the worship, the band (Tait), or maybe even us (?). But for me, however, there are two major high points: one is the annual pilgrimage to the Pepper Palace. For those not on the "in" on pepper culture: it is a Mecca for hot sauces. A store with every spicy sauce and food additive you can think of and then some! And here, if you are 18 and are daring, you can sample any sauce in the whole store. (My personal recommendation is to try a small dab of the "Death By Salsa"- and then a gallon of milk!) My family has birthed a number of hot sauce connoisseurs, so we always have to squeeze in a few brief moments at that strange and wonderful place. My other and most favorite parts are the short times I get to see and reconnect with friends who have weaved in and out of my life over the years. College friends and roommates, youth ministers, youth ministry interns, connections through AVB and Watershed- the list goes on and on. Often times I get to only spend 10 minutes with friends who were such a huge part of my life 10 years ago. We get to share the basics: how's the job, the wife, the church? any kids yet? You moved? To where? when? It's kinda sad to think that I'm not able to be a BIG part of their lives again. I miss the old times (old is a relative term here!)- back in college or back in one of my old apartments. These people, these friends, or better yet, these saints have shaped my thinking, my behavior, and my theology over the years. They have seen me at my best and at my worst- and vice versa. I have shared a baptistry with some and a dorm room with others. And we always share our memories and our common bond in Jesus. I think back on this and smile for I know that my faith isn't a thing or a destination- it's a journey. I'll pick up and befriend Timothys and Pauls along the way. We'll see our Priscillas and Aquilas move to Colorado for a new job or opportunity. And as painful as change can be, it keeps me ever looking forward and trusting that my Shepherd will lead me for what is yet to come. To all of you who have been a part of my life- I pray that God will bless You and shine his face upon You. I love you all. "So keep 'em coming- these lines on the road, Keep me responsible, be it a light or heavy load, Keep me guessin' with these blessings in disguise I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes."- Caedmon's Call