Opening tonight. Friend Jessie has been working hard over the last year putting this work together. It was good to be there among the people. Wonderful different setting to have conversations beyond NewSportsWeather. The best thing about the church is when we gather away from the church.

It is a really really good thing, but clearly it is not going to happen all of the time, and it is not the only rich experience of God in his people.

Clear too that it was a celebration opportunity for some, as they were going out rather than going home. It was good to talk with Boot and Mike about the relationship between celebration and food. I really do believe that there is a deeply rooted connection between poverty and new years food. Maybe black eyes are not poverty food here. Maybe they were an exotic import.

Father, I still continue to find ways that you have made me so rich. I have so many friends. The relationships are not like they might be. I do not want to bargain over the character of the composite of all my friendships. There is so much love needed. Everyone needs more of you. and more of you through more of us. Thank you for all the ways you love your children, and thank you for making me one of them.