I really should be going to bed now but I just had to share something about some dear friends of ours here in Boston. I've been without my cell phone for the past three days having left it somewhere in the middle of nowhere New Hampshire. Actually the phrase "in the middle of nowhere New Hampshire" is redundant. But I digress.

Our friends heard that I was home alone without a phone tonight and offered to let me borrow one of their phones. Of course I can't imagine taking someone else's cell phone, since I know how it feels to be without one. But they ended up slipping it secretly into my purse because they wanted me to have a way to call out in case something happened to me tonight. (They're pretty sneaky!)

I just wanted to share about all of the love and sacrifice behind this small act of kindness and care. They are always so ready to give, always showing God's love in a very generous, tangible way - a tissue and shoulder to cry on; marriage counseling; a ride (even to Quincy in the middle of the night); a good book; someone to babysit your intoxicated husband; opening up their home during every holiday and every single Tuesday night. And this biblical hospitality permeates through every member of our community group. I am challenged and encouraged so much through our weekly bible studies and through sharing in each other's joys and sorrows. I need the people in this group. For friendship, but even more importantly, I need them because everytime I leave community group, I want to be closer to God.

I was incredibly inspired and moved by our Pastor's testimony during this past weekend, and am still digesting and seeing what my role is in his vision for this city. But until that is revealed to me, this group is why we stay and why we love Boston.

Ooooohhh. I used the L word.