FACE TO FACE

Do you ever just need a hug?

A big, huge, warm, embracing hug?

I know I need that – and the one person I want a hug from the most is Jesus.

Sometimes I just really miss Him.

Sometimes I just really feel lonely without Him.

I know He lives – and I know He's with me all the time. I believe that with my whole heart. It's just that sometimes I wish He was still walking around - in person…

…so I could get a hug.

Do you ever feel like that?

I've got this big old tree in my backyard. And sometimes I look out at that tree and picture a little stone bench underneath it. And then I try to picture what it would be like to look out my window someday and see someone sitting there…

…to see HIM sitting there!

What would He look like?

He'd have dark hair, and brown eyes. Kind brown eyes. He'd be wearing a white tunic of some sort, and sandals of course (Birkenstocks, maybe??). He'd look pretty plain actually. Nothing impressive about Him. In fact, He'd look a lot like most traditional depictions of Him.

And He'd just be there waiting.

So, I'd open my patio door, and step out into the backyard. He'd look up and smile. He'd pat the bench, and motion for me to come over and sit down next to Him.

And then, after wanting to talk to Him face to face for my whole life, I'd find myself completely tongue-tied.

I'd look at my hands, folded in my lap, while tears streamed down my face.

And then, one scarred hand would reach out and cover my folded hands. The other scarred hand would wipe away my tears, and then lift up my chin.

And He'd have tears in His eyes, but He'd be smiling too.

"I hear you need a hug."

Oh boy.

I'd reach out to Him and He would hug me – a big, huge, warm, embracing hug.

And everything would pour out of my soul. My entire life would be cried out to Him, and He would hold on to every moment.

Finally, I'd find my voice.

"Jesus, I want to stay like this forever."

"You will."

And then, He'd disappear.

I'd feel lonely again, and I would start missing Him.

But then I'd look over to where He had been sitting on the bench. He had left something for me – a crude, handmade crown of thorns. And attached to the crown was a note, written in His hand:

Never for a moment doubt that I am with you.

And know that I never hugged you more than when I wore this crown.

Yes, I'd love to see Him today, face to face, and get my hug. But I know He's there. All I have to do is talk to Him.

And look out my window at the pepper tree…

…I can almost see Him.

(Linked today with Wendy from Faith's Firm Foundation for Mondays are G.R.E.A.T. - Glad Rejoicing Encouraged And Thankful)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"