jesus surprises you every time.

today, i was walking up 13th street, feeling a little blue, but not a lot blue - just enough to fit the grey day, the wet blanket of rain. i actually like days like this, and i am concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, liking the rhythm created by my stride in my jogging pants, hands in pockets, thinking about the umbrella in my bag, head hidden under hat, enjoying the cool mist under the warmth of my hoodie and fleece. as i am arguing with myself about the umbrella, going back and forth about if one can actually catch a cold by being out in the rain, i am also surprised by how many people are out on such a day. surely not everyone is in love with days like this. as i peer out from under my cap, careful not to make eye contact, i glance at the people around me, and my eyes find a fine looking young man. breathtakingly beautiful, in fact. i smile, tightly, and he smiles back, great teeth, great lips, and i am mesmerized. i start looking away, a little more than embarrassed, and he says, hey.

hi.

he says something i can't remember. probably if it would be okay if he gave me something. he hands me a small, clear plastic bag, and i can see some sort of drawing and a business type card, but mainly, i'm still looking at him, thinking, oh my god, what is this? is he handing out condoms?! oh my god. of course they have really good looking people handing out information about safe sex. of course.

i hear the word christ, and i bring myself back. "there's a church right up the street, and it'd be great if you came. it's real close..."

riiight. i see now. i say thanks and walk away. and i'm laughing at myself because i think, nobody at any church i've ever gone to has been that good looking. almost makes me want to go. almost. and i can't stop smiling.

apparently, if you're that good looking, you make even jesus look good.