He is sitting on a log low to the ground with friends on either side of him. He is clearly the leader, but the entire group is relaxed, confident, and unmistakably handsome. They appear to be killing time, just hanging out, talking, laughing and throwing their heads back to guffaw when the conversation gets especially humorous.

I walk by not wanting to look at them, for nervousness. They are the sought-after ones, and I am just me.

But the one in the middle, the leader, has eyes which follow me. And as I talk quietly with a girlfriend off to the side, his eyes stay on me, but not in a creepy way. In a way which fills me with hope.

Could he really be interested in me? He's listening to his companions, but his eyes which are so full of love and gentle amusement never leave mine. Without saying a word, Jesus clearly communicates, "Say the word and I'm all yours. The minute you are ready, we can go." His eyes dance across mine, and silently speak, "I love my crew; but I've been waiting for YOU."

Jump to another scene. We are back at the log, but this time, there's a campfire in front of it. And this time, Jesus is on the log, with a friend on either side, but I'm the one in His arms. As I face the fire, I lean back on His frame, and his shoulders and long arms are draped around mine casually. We all laugh often, our faces lit up by the fire, and by His company. I trust Him completely, and we're comfortable enough with one another now, that I no longer doubt His love. My insecurity has been replaced with a humble confidence in the knowing of who HE is, and of how much I am loved. I walk differently now, because I've been seen, and known, and cherished. My eyes no longer mask fear, but they look like His; gentle, intense, seeking, and just a little light of laughter at the corners. We exchange a look, a deep smile, and turn our attention to the crowd gathering. We'll need to work soon, but for now, we can steal a minute just to enjoy.

What pictures does Jesus paint on your heart?

Photo Credit: Christine Serda, Unsplash.com

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