Good 'Ol Days

Having been in college now for almost two whole years, I've gotten used to the idea that my high school days are over. From missions trips, basketball games, youth group, and various community activities - all the fun times I experienced in the past are just that: past. As great as those days were, a new chapter in my life is already halfway through and God has blessed me immensely to be a part of a wonderful church body up in Jonesboro and also have some great friends who keep me accountable in my walk with the Lord.

Having said that, it's weeks like this past one that make me really (A) miss the good 'ol days and (B) make me realize how good I've had it for the last almost 20 years.

For those reading, this past week was Spring Break and instead of doing the typical go to the beach and hang out with friends thing, I instead headed back to Little Rock to see my family and friends (most of whom I've grown up with almost my entire life). On Tuesday, I received a text message from a friend who I used to be in our youth group's worship team with - Rachel Sims. *Before I get any farther in this, you need to realize that I've maybe received one text from Rachel in my entire life so this was a surprise*. She was texting me asking if I could help her and some others record songs that a man named Jim McMurry had written.  Now Jim is a man who for several years was the leader of the youth group worship team I was a part of. He is one of the best guitarists I've ever seen and is also an excellent song writer, but more importantly, a wonderful believer who I had become very close with. So for 3 days we recorded around 15 or 16 songs that Jim had written.

For most people, this would be a nice little get-together to see old friends who I shared many, many, many high school memories with. But this one was special because I hadn't seen Rachel nor the McMurrys in close to 2 years. Basically, since I left for college! If you don't know me personally, I'm not one who just forgets about people who have had an impact in my life. Rachel was a good friend who I had gone on several missions trips with and also a trip to England as a part of our church's choir and orchestra and the McMurrys had a significant impact in my life growing up. It was even Jim's idea to get me started in the worship band in my 7th grade year! Those 3 days single-handedly made my week that much better (seeing my other friends was great too). But to relive some great times in high school (not dwell in them but relive them) was so fun to see where I've come in the last 5 or 6 years. God's grace is so wonderful, even when it's just visiting old friends. 

I know as I get older, I'll probably become farther and farther apart from these dear friends, but I don't plan on doing that anytime soon.

Peace out.