 From time to time, an image or observation that I have noticed throughout the week sticks with me. It is like a giant red exclamation mark that dangles from thin air. What stirs my curiosity is when I notice a variation of that same scene - multiple times in a week.  The red exclamation marks in my mind float around as I recall what I have seen and I begin to wonder if God has a purpose for me being unable to shake them from my thoughts. I have learned throughout my life that there is an object lesson in everything….I just need to look and listen for God’s message. This week was one of those weeks. This scene, for me, was one to stop and ponder.
 Close enough for a whisper, close enough to invade ones personal space, and close enough that all inhibitions were loosed…an intimate moment. Sweet… Tender… Sincere…and filled with deep emotion. Each time I witnessed this scene, a soft whisper spoke, “take notice!” I even caught myself in this same position as dear friends gathered to pray for my family and me during my dad’s open-heart surgery this week. It was a tender moment shared between two. Another giant exclamation mark hovered overhead as a gentle peace engulfed me. “What Lord? What are you asking me to see?” I asked Him. “Read the scriptures for the Restore retreat again,” He seemed to whisper. There it was, staring me in the face. John 13:23 There was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Many questions began to flow through my mind; the first being, why was this information important enough to be included into the Bible? How was it that John even felt so comfortable being this close to Jesus? What led up to this intimacy? What importance does it play in my life?
In the Passover scripture, we find John leaning on Jesus’ breast, just a whisper away. When Jesus says that he would be betrayed, Peter nods over at John as to inquire whom. John, because of his proximity, quietly asks Jesus who and then Jesus responds to John…both just a whisper away! You can read the details in John 13: 21-26. My point is really not about the events that took place at Passover but about how John was close enough to whisper to Jesus, Jesus responded, and the fact that Peter recognized that John had a special relationship with Jesus. Recalling those “exclamation marks” from this week and pairing it with this scripture caused me to wonder how many of us really share an intimate relationship with Jesus. Do others take notice of your relationship with Him and recognize it as special?
 John was near to Jesus. He had the ear of the one who could work miracles and change lives. Jesus was close to John. Though there is no certain evidence, I believe that when He answered John’s question at the Passover table, it was intended for only John to hear. There was a special bond between Jesus and John. Is there a special bond between you and Jesus? Do you feel close enough to whisper in His ear? Perhaps there are struggles, stresses, or concerns that are currently weighing heavy on your heart. Whisper them to Jesus. Lean on His bosom. Experience the tender floods of peace as He whispers back, “I am here!” “It’s ok!” or... “There’s nothing that surprises me, I have you in my hand!” Charles Spurgen has written, “Put all the weight of your care, all the weight of your whole self, and all that concerns you upon Him and then recline with delight upon His bosom.” The Lord blessed me Sunday morning by allowing me to finish writing this blog as I pressed into His breast while sitting on my front porch. It has been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to sit here, my favorite sacred holy place! As I sat there, in His arms, he reminded me of something that I wrote over a year ago…something that He whispered in my ear...He whispered it yet again…Maybe He is speaking it also to you. Are you close enough to hear His whispers?  Hear the words of the Lord: My precious child, I want you to know that my grace is sufficient and that I truly will provide for your every need…your need to feel sufficient, acceptable, and used. I see your heart. I know your desires. My ways are higher and I see the bigger picture. Trust me! Continue running. Continue upholding my chosen and your beloved friends in prayer…encouraging them. Be the faithful steward of their gifts and yours, for in due time, when you are truly ready, I will show you yet another path. The journey I have planned is full of moments that can only come from me. I am the lover of your soul. Trust me! Hold fast! Be faithful in the call that I have on your life right now – be faithful to do all that I have asked of you. This includes resting and abiding at my feet. I desire great things for you. See, I am doing something good even now! I do all things well. I have made you for such a time as this. It is my plan from before the time you were even born. I have chosen you for my Kingdom purpose. I place my desires in your heart! Wait – Trust in me!
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