Confirmed Expectations.

The hallway seemed more crowded than usual this Friday morning. Having fled the house after a blustery run-through with the Mom, Tommy was content to simply finish the overdrawn week of school at Whelton Academy. As if on cue, his friends waited eagerly in front of his locker to hear the news about his "conversation" with God. Discrediting stares searched him up and down as he approached them.

"So are you a saint now?," sarcastically grinning from ear to ear as Jackson Yearing pierced the anticipation. "Yeah," chimed another, "we heard you are actually serious about turning your life around and thinking about getting more involved at Big Sky." Tommy went to Big Sky Christian Church like the rest of his friends, just passing through with no real intentions of pursuing God. It was the only place to meet on Sunday mornings to catch-up with the events of the week and how to plan for the next thrill for the coming weekend. The youth pastor barely took notice of this little crew because like so many of their congregation, they had become masters of keeping up pretenses. So they managed to stay out of harms way for three years until now, until Tommy had to go and ruin it for them. This imposition seemed nearly tragic.

"I don't know what is going to happen," Tommy defended, "all I know is that I believe God spoke to me a few weeks ago in our locker room and I believe helping Sean at Big Sky would be a good first step in seeing if my calling is for real." Releasing his fear and deciding to hear God in that unforgettable moment, Tommy sensed God was calling him to something unique, something different that would set him apart forever from his past.

"Well, whatever you thought you heard, I just hope you don't start bringing your convictions on us when we decide to hang at our spot," Jackson solemnly replied. Tommy could begin to feel the rift building between him and his friends, wishing just one of them would understand. As he closed his locker, preparing to slide into homeroom, he felt the presence of someone standing behind him. Although most of his friends moved on to class, Tyler stayed behind, seeking to give Tommy room to elaborate on his experience. This was all Tommy could ask for being that his situation at home was falling apart and his friends were beginning to be testy with his new direction.