Visualizing Jesus
John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA
…the times are portentous and demand faithful adherence to the faith and work of the church, that mankind may be blessed… -Doctrine and Covenants 137:6a
I stood on the shore, as I had been told.
I looked up and down the beach
And sure enough
It was bare, but not barren. And yes,
There were the footprints.
So, of course, what could I do but follow?
I followed. Boy, did I follow!
Then, after some indeterminate time, I saw him.
He was there, just as I had been told.
No surprise
And the sun was fine
and the breeze was pleasant
and life did seem good
and, well, that’s nice.
Hadn’t the teller told me?
Those tellers, they really know!
I went up to him.
I said nothing.
I just stood there and looked at him
And he looked at me.
You know what?
He grinned! Of all things!
Those eyes looked at me and he grinned.
Then, he chuckled and I couldn’t help but chuckle, too.
Then we laughed.
Can you imagine such a thing?
We just stood there and laughed-
Not at each other, but with each other.
I laughed in relief.
I laughed because I was in the presence,
I was in the presence of unconditional acceptance,
And yes, I have to say it, unconditional love.
I laughed because he laughed
And I laughed because he loved me
And I laughed because he was joy.
And he was laughter,
And he was the laughing sunlight on the sparkling water.
It’s astounding!
He laughed and I laughed
And we never said anything to each other-not in words.
Then he took my hand and still chuckling he said, “Let’s go.”
So I did.
Prayer Phrase
I am about to do a new thing, now it springs forth… (Isaiah 43:19).
Spiritual Practice
A New Thing
Breathe deeply and listen within. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in you? How do you feel about the new thing that might be emerging? Are you excited, resistant, fearful, hopeful? Take whatever you are experiencing to prayer. Breathe deeply and listen around you. Where is the Spirit doing a new thing in your community? Pay attention to how it feels to discern the Spirit’s activity and presence within and around you.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
