These Normals Raised Me Too

I spend a lot of time reflecting on the first fourteen years of my life. Recently I drove down a block towards the church I spent jr high and high school at, and it hit me. I spent 5 years with this drive being the most normal drive. I don’t want to forget how many normals I’ve had. The speed bumps mt flip flops would trudge over headed to the neighborhood pool at grammys in the summers in America. The potholes on briercrest road that would cut out my radio. The halls of the church that even when i didn’t feel like I fit, it was predictable and it fit- it never changed. I Never want to forget knowing that kitchen like the back of my hand- that even though I was the only kid, adults let me find my place to serve in my strengths. The hallway I sat alone during worship wondering if i would ever not be bothered by how loud it was. I’ll NEVER EVER forget the best friends that held space for my know-it-all attitude and pride. I never want to forget the races to the stop signs with friends. Or crying on the phone to my best friend down that street... and on the same street calling to say “he talked to me!!” The parking lot rumored to have a cop waiting for us to not come to a FULL stop- the same parking lot my dad taught me to drive. The pillar my pillow and backpack would lean up against every few months before a retreat or camp. The halls I ran down in jr high and high school during lock-ins. I never want to forget jumping my best friends car on a Wednesday night and feeling grown up. Or the hallway between the jr high and high school rooms you would dash through to see friends on the other side. The mentors and leaders who tirelessly prayed for me. The mentors that listened to my endless high school dilemmas. The ones who knew i might forget the conversations they wished would stick. I never want to forget the surprise birthday party with all my favorite people in the room. Or the humble beginnings of my career found in the backyard of my parents house doing cheesy photo shoots with friends. I’ll never forgot researching colleges with my best friends. I never want to forget how we supported each other even though we were all scared.
These normals also raised me.