Having recently moved back to her hometown, Changsha, after years studying abroad, a young woman asked the question, "How do you want me to serve this community?" She felt led to open a bookstore coffee shop that immediately became a home base for hungry hearts. In addition to her post-graduate studies and running the shop, my friend is an available mentor for many who seek friendship, answers and counsel. Most nights there's a group of young professionals and college students laughing over a meal at the biggest cafe table.
Friday nights at the shop I join a bilingual Purpose Driven Life discussion group as the facilitator. Talking about life's core issues never fails to leave my heart feeling full. Our small group has a few consistent participants, plus irregulars, including high school and college students, working 20s & 30s, Singaporean ladies, and recently a New Zealander man. Ahhh man, hearing the message shared in Chinese, showcasing its universality. Wow. You know what really gets me? I especially love listening as a young, brainy, handsome Chinese guy shares his convictions, his meekness, his dependence on jc. I just sit there thinking, you got it, man. You figured out that you could gain everything (education, wealth, good looks, status) and still have nothing. So to over-quote Mr. Elliot, you lost what you couldn't keep to gain what you couldn't lose. Well done brotha.
(Admittedly, I think I also have a soft spot for such guys because they remind me of the 17 yr-old Drew that I fell for...)
Friday nights, therefore, never fail to be a very life-giving occasion.
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Hi friend! We like to hear back from you. -- Rachel & Drew.