Oh, How The Joy Overfloweth!

I have a lot to blog about.  From the summer, from DC, about my new tattoo (yes, tattoo...), school, and many other things.  But one thing comes to the forefront at this particular moment:

I am so, so blessed!  Beyond my comprehension.  Not just in my ability to go to school (though that is a HUGE blessing in so many ways), the fact that I won the genetic and geographic "lottery" (although I don't believe it was random in any manner), have access to basic amenities and have avoided much (though not all) discrimination in life, or in the fact that I have the most wonderful family anyone could ask for, but in another way that is particularly unexpected....(though let me be clear - all these are things that are very very true, and very very apparent to me as enormous provisions from the hand of the Almighty).

No, I am blessed tonight because of one thing - Restoration Church (specifically, the women there).  I never, ever thought I would count a group of women sitting around a table making cards (yes, you read that correctly - making cards) as one of the biggest blessings in my life, but oh, how it is such a blessing!  I cannot tell you what a joy and an honor it is to be counted among these women as a friend and sister in Christ!  I have never, ever felt so beloved by a community in my life [not counting, of course, my family - by a chosen community, I suppose...].  Least of all did I expect it to be a group of Southern, Church-going (Baptist, for that matter!) women who sit around and make their own cards who would fill the shoes of the community I did not know I needed, and thought I did not want.  But they have filled it, and the cup overfloweth (oh, how it overflows!!!!)....

The Lord, in his Almighty and perfect providence, provided to me something I did not know I wanted, or needed.  But good gracious!  These women, despite knowing the dirty, dark, and un-sanctified places of my heart, still love me in a way I thought only existed in fairy tales.  I did not grow up with a close group of women who loved me whole-heartedly and joyfully.  I distrusted women, especially adult women, and did not seek their company.  I did not want anything to do with these women when I first walked through the doors of RC.  But they pulled me in anyways (and what fun it has been!)....

So now I spend my Friday evenings making delightful and gorgeous cards, and laughing so hard I think I'm going to pee my pants.  And feeling more loved than I have ever, ever felt before. 

Despite the mess that I am, I have not been this joyful in a long, long time.