I'm so glad my mother-in-law took this picture.

This was the second day that we had game time and one of those defining moments I was talking about in an earlier post. I think that as soon as school ended that 50 or so kids came to the church so we would quit working and get game time going as soon as possible. As we walked down the road to the school, there must've been between 60-70 kids walking with us by the time we got to the main road. I was in the front (sorta like the pied piper with my duffle bag full of game time goodies) for a block I guess and then suddenly I was overcome with emotion. I started to cry and not one of those little crys with the tears gently falling down one cheek. I was crying one of those kind that distorts your whole face....one that makes the muscles in your neck sore....one that makes you look like a complete mess. I thought to myself that I couldn't let these kids and the people watching us walk by see me like that so I started walking slower trying to gain my composure. I really really felt God at that moment. I felt a stripped down humbleness that I've never felt before. I felt a deeper appreciation for what Christ did for me on the cross. You know, we spend millions of dollars a year on books and seminars trying to figure out what our purpose is and what we should do with our life. At that moment, it was so simple to me and the simpleness in itself brought on another wave of emotion. Of course we know to love God....that's a given....but also, just love on people with the love of Christ. That's it. Don't witness at them. Don't throw programs at them. Show them what being a Christian is and what Christ has done for you by example. Love on them with agape love. No big formulas, programs or gimmics.....just be real. The thing is, I already knew this.....I really did...but at that moment, it was made so real to me that it nearly brought me to my knees.

That's Gilbert on my left side. He never left my side that whole time. I guess my red eyes and contorted face didn't scare him away. He just held on to the corner of my shirt and would look up from time to time and hold his hand up for me to give him high five....smiling from ear to ear the whole time. That's all the kids wanted really. Some agape love....a smile, a high five, a pat on the head, and just a little of our time. It's really hard to put the moment in that picture into words. Just know that Gilbert's high fives were helping me much more than they were helping him.