Laughter fills the air

A 45-minute drive at the worse time of day, on 2 freeways, then a busy 4-lane road, lands me at Lighthouse Community Church of God.  Angela pulls in next to me.  She is always smiling.  We jump out of our cars and immediately start chatting.  We have 75 things to tell each other since last week.  There is never enough time.  Then the van pulls up - the 10-passenger van.  And about 20 passengers exit - all high school kids from nearby.  One young gentleman holds the door for everyone.  They are all laughing.  EVERYONE says hello.  The kids run downstairs, and Angela and I start setting up 4 or 5 chairs in the church.  As a few people start arriving, we arrange ourselves in a circle.  Sometimes, there are 4 of us - other times, 10 or more!  Angela's husband John arrives and gives me a hug.  Pastor Williams (my buddy), takes my hands and says, "Bless you, Bless you!"  Deep breaths by all.  And prayer begins.  There is no band.  There is no worship music.  But laughter from the basement fills me with hope.  God is here.  God is here.  He is here.