See Ted at Panera. Rock out to old T.H.E.E. Camp CDs. Let me
fill in that gap now.
I was out at dinner with my parents last night at Panera when a
big man with a very familiar face walked in. I immediately knew the face
although I thought myself crazy for believing my face recognition. After
checking with my mom to see if she remembered Ted from T.H.E.E. camp, and
hearing “Ted” over the intercom to announce that his order was ready, I decided
that I would say hi. Saying “hi” when I run into someone in public is a really
big deal for me- I do not like to do it. Confession- I often chose not to even
bother with it.
Although I spent little to no one on one time with Ted, he
was always one of my favorite people at church camp. He played in the worship
band and told awesome stories one of which I remember hearing in the cafeteria
during lunch when Ted chose to sit at my table of friends one day.
That to say, I was actually excited as I approached the food
counter and introduced myself as a fellow T.H.E.E. camper. The very short
conversation that followed was so simple yet genuine. I am amazed at the power
of people and the power of connection (especially when food is involved). We
quickly connected our dots and went our blessed ways.
Considering my current feelings towards church, religion,
and the like, this encounter was a breath of fresh air. It was really neat for
this man, who was simply in town visiting his family and out at dinner, to
accept my greeting so eagerly and ask questions about my current life versus
merely dismissing me as some teeny bopper church camper high on life and God.
This is my story, this is my song…
