God really blessed this night. It came after a string of two or three days of rough conversations, difficult interactions, and emotional and spiritual failures on my part. Needless to say the day came upon me while I was discouraged.

After a particularly difficult conversation this afternoon, I was invited to join a good friend’s youth group to serve a group of homeless people and eat dinner with them. I was asked to take photographs of the kids serving—something that I very quickly found myself convicted for. Once the men and women came in, I tried to find some way to take the pictures without making it look like we thought we were better than them. I found it almost impossible; probably because that’s exactly the problem with it. It wasn’t long before I just put the stupid camera away and tried my best to love them as fellow humans, created by God in his image. I met some beautiful people.

One couple stands out especially in my mind; Emery, Tasha and their thirteen month old son, Logan. Emery’s father was deported and his mother was forced t move down south. Emery and Tasha got pregnant very young forcing Emery to quit school and Tasha to quit her job. On Emery’s salary, they weren’t able afford their apartment and a few days ago they got evicted. They’ve been pseudo living in a church trying to figure out how to make some money. I had the great privilege of playing with Logan and talking to Emery. Emery is ashamed because he feels unable to provide for his son. But he loves his son deeply and that will go a long way. Being that the couple is close to my own age, I hope to be able to build a friendship with them.

After giving my phone number to Emery, the lot of us headed back home. I and a group of others headed back to my house where we worshipped in song and shared communion together. It truly was a great blessing.

So why do I share all this? I guess I’m not sure that there’s a really great reason. I am greatly humbled by those who God allowed me to meet tonight and I’m encouraged by the worship God provided for us give tonight.

Thank you Jesus for having provided so abundantly. Thank you Jesus for loving us, for coming for us, the dying for us, for saving us. Jesus, I pray that you would invade Emery and Tasha’s hearts and bring them to salvation. Jesus, I pray for Logan as he grows, I pray that by some act of your providence you would allow him to be raised according to your truth. Humble me more deeply Jesus, sanctify your church, God!

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