Seeing Jesus

For two days I’ve been an emotional wreck. 

Journey Theater Arts Group’s presentation of Godspell, Jr. has finished, but the sorrow I feel is more than post-show let down. Usually the girls are a bit melancholy after a week of performing, yet I am elated when life gets back to normal. I couldn’t put my finger on the reason I am so down this time. Then this morning it hit me – I saw Jesus. And I miss him.

I didn’t see our Lord in my grilled cheese sandwich or on a water stained wall. I saw Jesus in 37 youth acting out the parables found in Scripture. 

Oh, these boys! Can you imagine the responsibility to play Judas and Jesus?

When kids are cast in productions, they are given a part to play. For Godspell, Jr. only 3 boys were asked to portray a character: Jacob became Jesus, Jordan became Judas, Ethan became John the Baptist. For 34 other kids, their main responsibility was to convey stage exaggerated versions of themselves. Even their own names remained the same. The set backdrop was our city of Portland and the costumes came from the cast’s own closets. The script was peppered with inside jokes and improvised lines allowed our children’s personalities to shine.

Yep. That’s her personality.

The show was personal. The message was for today.

When “Jesus” touched Annika, he touched my child. When “Jesus” blessed Emma, he blessed my child. When “Jesus” was crucified, my own daughters pierced him.

And in my daughters, I saw myself. Through the kids, I was reminded of Jesus’ teachings, love, and sacrifice. I realized, Jesus and I have a lot of catching up to do.

“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice” “For they shall be filled.”

This year, I am giving something up only to add something else in its place. As much as I enjoy writing, I am giving up blogging until Easter. 

Not posting my words online may not seem like much of a sacrifice. However, in the time it takes to organize writing ideas, to type, edit and check stats to see if anyone has read what I’ve written, I will be spending my time in the Bible, in prayer, and in study.

When I blog, the focus is on myself; my thoughts, my lessons, my information. This Lent, my focal point becomes Jesus.

It’s time I refreshed myself on what it really means to be blessed. 
On what it really means to live in grace and mercy. 
On what it really means to forgive others because I have been so greatly forgiven. 

This will be my reaction when I meet Jesus in the flesh, I promise you.