Thursday, May 7, 2009
"one of the greatest guys i know"
Tonight I joined in the birthday festivities of a friend of mine who just graduated in December. Since she and all her friends who were there are a bit older than me, I found myself among several new faces as well as many acquaintances that I had either met before or had heard of through mutual friends. This was perfect for me considering I thrive on opportunities to meet people and build friendships in a social setting.
In the midst of my mingling, I spent a decent amount of time talking to 1 person in particular that had served in Ignite several years ago. Although I was completely new to him, I knew about him through several friends we share in common. We chatted about things like which restaurant has the best margaritas and how much Ignite has progressed since his experience in it.
Near the very end of the night, this guy found out who I am dating. (It turns out, he and Daniel hung in some of the same circles in college.) As soon as I told him Daniel's name, his tone immediately softened and he peered at me with the most incredulous expression. With all seriousness, he told me 'Daniel is one of the greatest guys I know... he is seriously one of the sweetest men out there.' Not really knowing how to respond properly to his statements, I made a comment indicating that I would convey his choice of words to Daniel and he didn't even crack a smile. He gladly gave me permission and confidently stated that he has never had an unpleasant encounter with Daniel. I easily detected a tone of utmost pride in his voice.
This conversation encouraged me greatly and makes my heart swell even more with respect and pride in Daniel. However, the fact that this is just one of many conversations I've had with someone about Daniel that was of this nature is one of the most confirming things for me in our relationship. In His infinite grace, God has shown me time and time again over the last 2 years, how he has used Daniel's humility and intentionality throughout his college years to love and encourage others. It is obvious that this love has made a very real and tangible impact to the people around him. I am so blessed.
I am going to bed tonight, filled with joy, hope, and eager expectation that God will continue to be faithful to use Daniel and I even now, in our respective cities, to make an impact on the people around us for our joy and for His glory!
Hallelujah.
In the midst of my mingling, I spent a decent amount of time talking to 1 person in particular that had served in Ignite several years ago. Although I was completely new to him, I knew about him through several friends we share in common. We chatted about things like which restaurant has the best margaritas and how much Ignite has progressed since his experience in it.
Near the very end of the night, this guy found out who I am dating. (It turns out, he and Daniel hung in some of the same circles in college.) As soon as I told him Daniel's name, his tone immediately softened and he peered at me with the most incredulous expression. With all seriousness, he told me 'Daniel is one of the greatest guys I know... he is seriously one of the sweetest men out there.' Not really knowing how to respond properly to his statements, I made a comment indicating that I would convey his choice of words to Daniel and he didn't even crack a smile. He gladly gave me permission and confidently stated that he has never had an unpleasant encounter with Daniel. I easily detected a tone of utmost pride in his voice.
This conversation encouraged me greatly and makes my heart swell even more with respect and pride in Daniel. However, the fact that this is just one of many conversations I've had with someone about Daniel that was of this nature is one of the most confirming things for me in our relationship. In His infinite grace, God has shown me time and time again over the last 2 years, how he has used Daniel's humility and intentionality throughout his college years to love and encourage others. It is obvious that this love has made a very real and tangible impact to the people around him. I am so blessed.
I am going to bed tonight, filled with joy, hope, and eager expectation that God will continue to be faithful to use Daniel and I even now, in our respective cities, to make an impact on the people around us for our joy and for His glory!
Hallelujah.
Labels: life
Friday, May 1, 2009
long walk
This morning, I decided to go on a long, 3.5 mile walk. Because I normally run the loops around my house, I am usually only thinking about how much I want to get to the finish line and not paying that much attention to the things around me. Today, I actually got to notice the neighborhood happenings and I passed some interesting things:
1. I walked by a house under construction and I looked through the large, glass front doors only to see the largest Buddha figure I've ever seen in my life, sitting squarely in the center of the living room floor. It must have been at least 20 feet tall. I couldn't believe it! I immediately thought of my friends in India who are working as temporary missionaries there and realized that the same idolatry they are fighting against is happening right in my own backyard!
2. There was a dad sitting on his front porch, holding his little baby girl. They were growling in each other's faces. It was precious. I caught his eye as I passed and he gave me this, 'being-a-new-parent-has-completely-demolished-any-embarassement-that-I-may-have-otherwise-felt-in-this-situation" expression.
3. A completely infatuated couple in a car waiting at a stoplight. sidenote: When I cross the street at a light, I usually try and catch the eye of the driver to establish a mutual understanding that I am going to pass by in front of the them and they had better not hit me (after all, I DO have a working knowledge of unintentional torts and the litigation process from my business law class). There was no hope for this driver though. end sidenote. As I passed in front of the car, I watched the guy gently pick up the girl's hand and kiss it. It's hard for me not to smile at those kind of romantic gestures...
It was a good walk.
1. I walked by a house under construction and I looked through the large, glass front doors only to see the largest Buddha figure I've ever seen in my life, sitting squarely in the center of the living room floor. It must have been at least 20 feet tall. I couldn't believe it! I immediately thought of my friends in India who are working as temporary missionaries there and realized that the same idolatry they are fighting against is happening right in my own backyard!
2. There was a dad sitting on his front porch, holding his little baby girl. They were growling in each other's faces. It was precious. I caught his eye as I passed and he gave me this, 'being-a-new-parent-has-completely-demolished-any-embarassement-that-I-may-have-otherwise-felt-in-this-situation" expression.
3. A completely infatuated couple in a car waiting at a stoplight. sidenote: When I cross the street at a light, I usually try and catch the eye of the driver to establish a mutual understanding that I am going to pass by in front of the them and they had better not hit me (after all, I DO have a working knowledge of unintentional torts and the litigation process from my business law class). There was no hope for this driver though. end sidenote. As I passed in front of the car, I watched the guy gently pick up the girl's hand and kiss it. It's hard for me not to smile at those kind of romantic gestures...
It was a good walk.
Labels: life
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
