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Today I am alone, even though I sit in the midst of a vast crowd of people. I have followed Jesus to this hillside to listen to His words, for He speaks as no other. I have a soul need to belong to someone, to be treasured, to feel special. It seems to me that my life as a woman doesn’t amount to much. That something is missing. I want to be understood, desired, loved. As I listen to Jesus a longing possesses me to experience the happiness Jesus speaks of. He talks of God as a Father who loves and cares. Jesus speaks about belonging to His family.
I remember some weeks ago when I was with Mary at Lemuel’s house that Jesus spoke of family relationships. Pointing to His disciples Jesus had said, “Behold my family!” Then looking at those gathered around He added, “Whoever does my Father’s will is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
I stand to stretch my legs, then look at Jesus who is seated on a rock. It seems He is looking straight at me. His face is full of compassion and understanding as He continues. “You can be part of my family and come to live at my house someday. I am not ashamed to call you sister.”
The memory of meeting Jesus at the Jordan comes flooding back, as though it were yesterday. His smile of acceptance is the same today as then. As night’s darkness is dispelled by the dawn the light of understanding bursts upon my soul. Jesus accepts me just as I am! His Father loves me as His daughter! I am Jesus’ sister! I am special and treasured! In that moment I reach my hands toward the Jesus I follow and in my heart I accept Him as my own. There’s a bonding, a belonging.
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