So we were encouraged to move on closer to the stage to just rock out w/ the worship band, and that was super fun.  And as the evening progressed, you could just sense that something good and something big was happening in the room.  Usually sleepy heads were wide awake.  The cool kids in the back that normally were talking up a storm sat intent, feasting on each word of truth that was uttered.  All eyes were on God, and He came to give us all a taste of what heaven would be like.

 

And for me, my vision came in a tear.  A tear of a 13 year old boy named Aaron.  Sitting, eyes wide-opened the message of grace first echoing through his head was doing something in his heart that was terribly new.  Stirring his desire for acceptance he longed to hear more.  Convicted of sin his shame seemed to overwhelm him.  But invited by God's love he couldn't hold it in any longer... the door to his heart opened as a single tear streamed down his face.

 

Quickly wiping it away, he didn't want people to see... but sitting next to him i couldn't help but notice... and have my heart immediately melt.  He looked at me for a quick second and straightened up... tough guys... men... don't cry.  Right?  Nah... it took a lot more courage for him to cry... and i wanted him to know that.  So slowly i moved closer, put my arm around him, and began to cry with him.

 

In that moment, I've never felt so safe, strong, and loved.  Funny how through tears, you can feel that way.  Acknowledging that I don't have complete power or control over the circumstances of my life, but I have the power to enter into relationship with the one that does, each moment of each day. And the sweetness, the peace, the deep, deep joy that comes with being close to God is like the moment i shared w/ Aaron... just sitting... just crying... just worshipping God.