Downtown

I found a downtown hotel right around the corner from where I needed to be the next morning. The desk clerk put down his paper, “Help you?” The lobby wasn’t much: Stale cigarette smoke, sagging furniture, a fluorescent tube that flickered and died while I stood there. I asked the clerk, “Is this hotel safe?” He handed me my key and said, “Depends on what you mean by ‘safe.’” That evening I walked along the street. I saw transactions through car windows and couples holding hands. I heard loud music and quiet conversations. I heard music coming from stores and one man, walking alone, who could really sing. I bought a 45 rpm record from a second-hand store, dined at a taco truck and fell into conversation with German tourists who were enjoying the evening. I learn again, every day, to go and not to fear.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

Josh