We went back to school the day after New Year's, and Hangin' In started back up the next day after that.
I hadn't seen the guys since light up night, which had been nearly two weeks ago by that point, quite a while for us. During that time, we all enjoyed our own individual holidays, visiting family and whatnot. I admittedly spent a lot of it playing with my new iPad.
As I entered St. Philip's on that January night, Shane was inside the lobby waiting, having shown up before me. Ethan came in just minutes later, no longer wearing his glasses, having gotten contacts over break. Shortly after that Victor showed up as well, now without his braces, having gotten those off over break also. Last but not least was Daryl, whose once neck length hair had been cut into a style very similar to Shane's.
We had already expressed our surprise at this during school, and needless to say, were all taken away. It became apparent that a lot could change in such a short amount of time. Unbeknownst to us however, that wasn't the only thing changing.
Soon enough, we noticed the video games and snack bar were nowhere to be seen. Of course, we tried asking Hunter why that was, but he basically told us not to worry about it.
Moving on, when we headed upstairs to the loft, we were immediately met with a sight much different than usual. Gone was the loud music, flashing lights, and crowded dancing. Instead, the band was playing very softly, lights were all the same color, and we sat down right away, with the floor being covered in pillows and cushions. Plus, a table of unlit candles sat against the wall, and a wooden cross stood off to the side.
This was not the Hangin' In I remembered.
"Good evening." said Kenneth "Welcome back."
Me and the guys each grabbed a cushion and went to our usual spot.
"I'm sure you're all wondering what's going on here tonight." he added.
That's exactly what we were wondering.
"Well I'll tell you. I wanted to start off the new year by creating a new tradition. I wanted to do something where we can take our worship of God more seriously. So that's why from now on, once a month, this is what we'll be doing. No games. No skits. Just worship. Because that's what Hangin' In's all about."
Seeing everyone's disappointment at this was all but expected.
"First, I'd like you to go light a candle, and when you do so, think about somebody who's on your mind. Then, I'd like you to go to the cross, and when you do so, write a message on it. After that, I'd like you to go back with your group, and when you do so, try to remain as quiet as you can."
Upon being dismissed, I walked over to the candles and was handed a kitchen lighter, with which I lit one, keeping the guys on my mind, knowing how they probably felt. Victor being the only exception.
Following that, I walked over to the cross and was handed a magic marker, with which I wrote my message.
"The Lord forever has my thanks." it said.
With so many of us being there, this actually took a decent while. By the time we had each done our part, Kenneth was getting ready to sing, an acoustic guitar in his hands.
"Lord, I come." he began "I confess. Bowing here, I find my rest. Without you, I fall apart. You're the one that guides my heart."
Once again, every group came together and quietly sang along with him. I put my arm around Shane, as did he to Victor, and he to Daryl, and he to Ethan.
"Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour, I need you. My one defense. My righteousness. Oh God, how I need you."
As we continued, I looked down at the sign below the stage.
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I now understood what it meant, and my world had changed indeed.
