More than listening

Answers to common questions:

Who got one? BOTH ME AND KATIE. It was Katie’s idea already but while I was with her I couldn’t turn down the opportunity. 

Where did we get them?  Euphoria Tattoos on West Gaines by a guy covered in tattoos named Shane.

Did it hurt? Well just image a needle constantly jabbing into your skin while injecting ink. Yes it hurt. It hurt more than I expected.

Do I have regrets? No. I would have regretted much more missing the opportunity to get one.

Where is it? Mine is on my wrist, and Katie’s is on her foot. Mine is all black with the inscription “James 1:22″ Katie’s is outlined in black and filled in with light blue “Jesus Fish.”

Was the place clean or shady? Both. The place had a cool feel and was definitely the least shady of the two places we checked out. Even as shady as it was, it was really clean at the same time. I mean so clean all the chairs were covered with pink saran wrap:)

Where was MP? Well we wanted to bring him. I thought pics of  him in a tattoo parlor with guys covered in tattoos would have been sweet but they wouldn’t let anyone in under the age of 18. Props to Matt for last minute babysitting. Pretty funny when you have to get a babysitter in order to get a tattoo

Would I get another one? I must confess it was a lot of fun. There was something just really exciting. As I was sitting there I kept thinking about what the next tattoo would be. I don’t know if or when I will get another one but this definitely did not discourage me to get one. Really scary I know.

What will people(family, friends) think? I don’t know. My family knew ahead of time and there was a mix of emotions. I hope I get to have some conversations about the verse on my wrist. Just like I always ask people about their tattoos, I hope I will have the same opportunity to share with others the relationship (not religion) that God has offered all of us through Christ.

Final thoughts: What a fun day. Hanging out with people totally different than me (i.e covered in beards, facial hair and full of expletives) was a really refreshing reminder of the world we live in. I really wish I could just hang out there some and here what people say and watch what people get.  The permanent factor of a tattoo has not fully set in but I am excited that what will be on wrist will be something that last longer than my skin in the grave lasts. I think I am still pretty stoked over the day and full of adrenaline. If anyone wants to know about my tattoo or thoughts on tattoos dont be afraid to ask. After a day like today I am a huge advocate of them.

~Michael