Everyone responds to Lent differently. Some people follow the typical “penitential” way… giving up something they enjoy in order to remind themselves of all that Jesus gave up for us. Some people take on something, like helping someone in need or adding more time to their Scripture reading. Me? I actually see things differently. A testy situation makes me think of how Jesus would handle it…a “what would Jesus do” possibility. I’ve even started to see people in a new way, and it smacked me in the face yesterday morning running errands around town.

To my right, as I was driving down the road, I saw a man, terribly bent over, walking very slowly, shouldering a huge backpack. As I drew closer to the man, I thought: Is that you… Jesus? What a strange thought that was! But if we believe we are all part of the Body of Christ, it’s not a stretch to have such a thought. I walked into the post office, saw the same smiling woman behind the counter, and the thought came again: Is that you… Jesus? When I drove away, I found myself thinking of the nursing home I frequent. I often pass a man, always in a sleeping position, arms all gnarled up, his mouth gaping open. Again, I think: Is that you… Jesus?

Perhaps over twenty-five years of saying, “…may you see the face of Jesus in everyone you meet,” is showing up. Look for yourselves…I promise, you won’t be disappointed.