Holy Spirit or Holy Smokes?

I was enjoying a “cortado” in a sleek little Barcelona cafe just a few weeks ago, catching up with an old friend when I found myself cautiously broaching my newly found favorite topic: God. I was bursting at the seams; but, holding back at the same time.

Crazy right? Why would I be nervous about talking God to a friend? One word folks: karma. Oddly enough, I know what it’s like to be that friend. You know, the one that always talks about the Holy Spirit. You see them coming and you just want to run; but, instead you nervously smile and think, “oh my God, please help me get through this… can’t we just talk about the weather?” Ironically, I’ve unfollowed friends for this very same reason and yet here I am: welcome to my new life: Grace talks Holy Spirit. Holy Smokes!

He asked me what was new in my life, I delicately touched upon my recent ACTS retreat experience, carefully measuring his reaction. He didn’t flinch, so I continued and casually mentioned how my life had dramatically changed since that moment and then, it happened: raised eyebrow, slow nods, part smile, part grin and I’ve lost him. Not a problem though. I don’t want to be that friend. I quickly change the subject and successfully we begin to commiserate on our future work goals, family, etc.

But, God works in mysterious ways people.

Somewhere during our coffee, my friend stops and says something to the effect that I look different or that there’s something different about me…. I can’t recall exactly what he said but I knew that was my way in! I just smiled ear to ear and said: “I’m in love.” He leaned in, ready for the scoop. Dramatic pause and then I blurted out: “I’m in love with God!” I went on and on for what seemed like forever, but it was probably just a minute or two. I mean, how to explain that feeling in just a few sentences?

Do you remember a summer romance, maybe at the pool or camp… circa high-school, the 80s for me. You fall hard: puppy love, in all its purity and splendor. You’re flying so high. Your heart is ready to explode. The sheer mention of their name and you have that goofy, giggly grin. THAT IS ME 100%!

By the end of the conversation he seemed more comfortable, relaxed. He smiled at me and said that he was happy for me. We hugged and parted. It’s always great to see him.

You know, I had prayed about what to do with this feeling inside of me. How to put into words? Who to tell? When? How? I realized, as I left that cafe,  that blogging would be my best friend. I could journal my story without sequestering my friends… they would just reap the collateral benefits of a happy friend in love with God.

Wow! I did it! I went to ACTS Retreat. I fell in love. And now, here I am – I have to tell you all about it.

See you soon!