Door.

She waits by the door often.

Sometimes I think we are waiting for the same person.

Mostly I like to think she's protecting me from whoever may come to the door.

Like some magnificently intimidating guard dog.

I know though she is just waiting to wag her tail, and give kisses in her squealing enthusiasm.

We've had a revolving door of house guests. Mandy left this week, Betty Cabell came and left.

Tonight friends came over... and we hung out.

She sat at Ryan's feet and just wagged her tail eagerly as if to say "will you love me forever?"

She is unaware of the fan club she has.

But still... I think she waits at the door looking for one person.

It's ok, I tell her, that I'm waiting for them too.

Life tonight is full and good. Glad for all those who sat at my dinner table this week and shared conversation on the couch. God has done good things in my heart.

I have been pursued and visited in abundance since my arrival back to Virginia July 6th. It's insane.

I have heard and been sort of asked the same thing, "You are looking great, sounding even better...?"

I tell them its Jesus.

I tell them I am well because I have experienced great love and friendship.

I tell them I have returned. They smile because the announcement isn't news- they see it. It's just verbal confirmation.

I tell them because even after all is said and done, sometimes I just want my best friend to come sit on the couch with me and talk about life.

I tell them, that feeling that way has been healing and tremendous.

I tell them, that every day its different. Some days harder. Some days easier.

But that God is the absolute same. And that I am better because of it.

I tell them that the storms have quieted, I have made choices, I have seen the other side... and that I'm done there.

I tell them that I feel more like the me that has been waiting then I feel like the me that was searching.

I tell them... that I wait sometimes anticipating who comes to the door, and that I am always thankful for the faces I see as they arrive.

Gracie and I are waiting at times for the same person we know that is too far away to come.

But we hope.

And in our hope, we are more like the friend we miss then ever before.