I
decide
I
want
to
have
lunch
with
JESUS!
i pack
a light lunch
and head out.
As i walk
looking down
at the shells
on the beach
i notice
they are all
beautiful
new shells.
No barnacles
or tiny pieces
just
gorgeous
shiny gifts.
this bothers me
because
i don’t feel shiny
and i
am
imperfect…
where are all
the broken shells
i love so much
i wonder-
i keep walking
and begin singing-
“going to the chapel
and i’m
going to meet Jeeeesus…
gee He really loves me
and I’m going
to meet Jeeeesus
going to the chapel
of my faith…”
I place my blanket
upon the hard sand.
my view to the east
is the churned up
at low tide
Atlantic Ocean.
to the west,
is the white steeple of
Club Zion Community Church.
as i enjoy my lunch my eyes
begin to water…
logically
i know it is
from the NE wind
whipping at my face,
but my soul knows different.
soon
i am weeping
in praise
of HIS grace.
i am being washed
of my sins
and feel
an unfurling of weight
being lifted.
and then i hear it…
HIS VOICE
so soft
i still even more
to hear HIM…
“come into my chapel, Sheri
I am here waiting for you
come and sit beside me
i am
nowww embraaacing
allll of
your worries
lifting
all of your sooooorows
Sheri,
Come sit
in the chapel with me…”
i lie down and begin to remember
the many sanctuaries
placed upon the path of my life.
closing my eyes
the center of my Nautilus appears.
i breathe in and out
the essence of Jesus
and the strength of my faith,
knowing with God
as my center
i
am
balanced.
I pack up my lunch
knowing life is calling
and begin my journey toward home.
My feet,
at a much slower pace
as i walk north
my eyes searching
for barnacles…
I find pieces of
Sand dollars
scattered everywhere
i look
they remind me of the
legend of the
sand dollar
of the birth
and death of Jesus
found in this
lowly
shell.
my vision
is much clearer now
with the sun upon my back
i pause
and allow
the cool waters
to brush across my feet…
as if i have crossed a border
the sand dollar pieces disappear
and
broken ones begin to emerge.
this tells me
i am walking the right path,
which is strong
steady
and chosen
by God.
HIS love
and
forgiveness
bless my life
giving me knowledge
that my faith
will see me
through any storm.
Lunch with Jesus today
stripped away
my lost sadness
and renewed
my soul.
Sheri Stewart is a Florida-based acrylic artist and writer. Her journey of faith and growth, writ upon canvas and journal. Sheri is married with five children and her two golden doodles Finn and Reed are often by her side.