The Mark of Jesus

I remember asking a pastor when I was 15, “What does it really mean to be truly Christian?” His reply: “That even my unconscious thoughts bear the mark of Jesus.” I remember thinking then and often since how difficult it seems for my conscious thoughts to bear His mark.

My sister wrote thanking me for visiting her friend at the U of I hospital after my endoscopy. I replied that regretfully, I was unable to visit as intended because I was so out of it from the procedure medications. I didn’t even remember coming out of the sedation until I arrived home at Newton, where I slept another 2-3 hours. But Marcia corrected me, saying that I was insistent on visiting this person, that we did visit with this kind woman and her husband and that I prayed for them before leaving. She assured me that I did not fall asleep and that I made sense. (You sometimes never know what you say under the influence of Versed!)

So this seems to be a humbling example (with ALL credit to God!) of the WILL and the SPIRIT accomplishing what the mind and body are incapable of doing or recalling on their own. Day by day seeds of faith are planted and nurtured by choices we make, so that they can bear fruit even in improbable situations, when we are not aware.

We plant these seeds of faith by believing and trusting truth and goodness even when there is no evidence of it. We assume goodness rather than malevolence when someone speaks unkindly. We act with generosity and mercy when someone is in need. We exercise unconditional love instead letting bitterness or anger take root. We choose light instead of darkness. We hope instead of fretting and despair. We act in ways that are tough like flexible leather, not rigid marble that so easily breaks under pressure.

Make wise choices today and each day. The life building you construct are determined by these and determine the mark you leave.

Don't be shellfish...