Sleeves.

Today I was

G

R

U

M

P

Y. My boss made a very strong suggestion that I visit the Abilene Jail tonight for Pioneers jail ministry. I didn't understand what kind of business I was getting into and was sure I had no potential to influence criminals in orange jump suits with orange crocs. And of course, because of a volunteer shortage I was told to go onto the Male side. YIKES.

B

U

T

G

U

E

S

S

What?

As all ministry goes, they rocked me.

a BUNCH

of

old men

young men

bearded men

baby faced

tatted all over

strong jawed

weak kneed

people who were looking for just a little something.

Jesus? maybe.

Relationship, freedom, love, grace, community, belonging, an escape? Absolutely.

So hear is the beauty, they did not know it, but Jesus is

A

L

L

of this and more. Papa scoops up every goodness and light we are scrambling for and dumps it on our heads. I looked into the faces of those hard men as I stumbled through old hymns. I saw my fear melt in a tidy puddle on the floor and dry up. Nothing but sons of God, Boet, Papa.

Oh how he loves them.

Oh how he loves me.

Heaven meets earth with

a Sloppy

wet

kiss.

Oh how he loves.