Have I mentioned that I love my lifegroup? We’re a diverse group of people, but we have totally clicked over the past 6 months. With the summer swelter upon us, we decided to cool things off tonight. I pulled out my youth pastor hat and found some water balloon games, and Dustin, Chris, Colin, and Esther provided us with a gazillion water balloons.
Things started early, as the previously mentioned 4 joined me in the hot afternoon for some basic kayak instruction at the Harvest Fields pond. The water never felt better! It was just what the doctor ordered for beating the heat. And I got to introduce some friends to the wonders of the kayak world.
As folks began to arrive for lifegroup, we started slow. There were a few relays, followed by a couple of mild “throw a balloon at someone” games. But things really kicked into high gear when we declared a state of war, and the balloons started flying. We went through all the balloons in short order, and every last one of us was soaked. We even managed to drench a few of those who opted out of the melee! By time the last balloon burst, we were all breathing heavily and smiling from ear to ear. It turns out that even us old timers like to kick it old school once in a while!
As we stood around in the tall grass, our wet clothes keeping us cool, the sun slowly slipped beneath the horizon. Tonight was Colin and Esther’s last night with us. They’ll be getting married in about 10 days, and are moving to Virginia. It’s tough to say goodbye to people we love, but we are excited for them. It was good to have them with us, and even better to bless them as they move on to the next phase of their life together.
Esther said that this lifegroup has been one of the best things about being in State College. Before we started in January, she was disconnected, feeling alone and wondering why God had her in State College. But with us she found a place to belong, a community that gave her a sense of connection.
That’s about the best thing that I heard today!
The second best thing was Dustin telling me that the water balloons that he bought are bio-degradable! Usually we have the losing team pick up all the busted balloons, but tonight we felt okay about letting them rest in peace where they fell, a temporary reminder of the fun that we shared tonight.
A few of us hung out long after the darkness surrounded us, singing praises to the God who created the heavens and the earth, and who brought us together.
ps: If you think of it, pray for Kim and our 20 year old friend–Kim’s at the hospital tonight with her, and the baby is on the way! Hospitals and blood and all that jazz are not Kim’s strong suit, so I’m sure that she, the mommy to be, and the baby would appreciate your prayers!
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