In between the times that
Jesus was healing the wounded,
tending the sick,
and giving sight to the blind…
In between the times that
Jesus was turning water into wine
wandering the wilderness
and multiplying loaves and fishes…
It’s nice to think there
may have moments when a
toddler’s sticky
fingers intertwined with his
strong and worn hands and they
meandered along singing in sync.
I like to think of a little
one with a baby-toothed smile
gifting a bright
yellow dandelion, “ooing”
at ants and tracking their trail
that leads to where they all call home.
It’s fun to think of Jesus
playfully joining in with children
on the hunt of
tiny toads that beg to be chased
and gently held in the palm
of a delighted boy or girl
before releasing into the wild.
In between all that encompassed
the life of Jesus, I like to imagine
that his soul is
refreshed by young ones.
Remember He said, “Let the children
come to me.
Don’t forbid them,
because the kingdom of heaven
belongs to people like these children.” Matthew 19:14
God Shows Up
Nearing the end of the Lenten season and crossing the threshold into the season of Spring has sparked my imagination to read between the lines of scripture and see Jesus as a living person. Before we observe the Passion of Christ, how do we fall in love with the spirit of the human Jesus all over again?
Settling into our hearts, we remember the healing that Jesus has provided in our lives. Lest I forget, I mark the dates in my Bible with the times that I’ve felt the Spirit of Christ healing my soul. While reading the stories of Jesus healing the people of Bible times, I’ll also thumb through the scriptures and remember the healing and closeness I’ve felt over my lifetime. From physical and emotional injuries, to dwelling in the dark night of the soul, the love of Christ has brought me back again and again. Above all, even though I do not understand all that happens, I trust in God’s love for you and for myself.
I wonder, who will choose to join in with the wonder of a child to raise their voices in praise this Sunday? Whether in person or virtually, our hearts are with you as together we praise God for what we have seen and felt and known for ourselves, those in our faith community, and all of creation.
“Blessings on the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens!”
May the grace and peace of God be with you this week.
Rev. Marta Wheeler