Sweetness

I debated on whether or not to post any reflections on the events of the past 6 days. Today, however, proved to be the reason why I need to "blog" if any reason at all. Holly and I said we would start blogging so that friends and family would be able to keep up with us during the next few years. In that vein, here's something that is worth knowing about us: We LOVE our friends.

I'm almost (no...more than almost) tearful as I write. Today we saw the burial of a wonderful friend from college. His name was Matt. And for those of us who were privileged enough to know the "Sweetness", we count it our blessing. As many words were said about this man of God -- this man of LIFE -- not enough could be said about the joy you experienced when you were around Matt.

Even in his death, we were surrounded by stories, laughter and tears...because of Matt. We gathered afterwards at Gary's BBQ to fill our stomachs with food and our souls with the much-needed nurturing of each other's presence. In bittersweet hugs and greetings, we gathered to reconnect. We even met two of the youngest Tar Heels. (Here's a photo of the Lutz clan.)

So, I'll say it again: WE LOVE OUR FRIENDS. In deep forms of joy, compassion, celebration, and pain...we experience this grace of God through each other. Holly and I have been so blessed to have Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem friends for the past 10 years and we know that we will always have a different kind of family here in North Carolina. Please stay in touch with us and know that you are part of our journey -- part of the reason why we feel so free to pursue what is coming. Thanks for being the body of Christ to us.