Our Lord in Real Life

We usually visualize Jesus' dramatic events, and it's right that we do. It's vital to meditate on the key moments of our Faith. Picturing Our Lord at the Crucifixion, for instance, reminds us of how great His love is for us; He could not have sacrificed more for our salvation. And the sublime picture of all time is His resurrection, proof of His divinity, proof of our Faith. Then you have the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and the scenes of the many miracles recorded in the Bible, like the curing of the lepers, the the multiplying of the loaves and fishes, etc. These are scenes we easily call to mind. Scenes of eternal importance. Serious scenes.

But, there are many hidden moments in Our Lord's life that surrounded those dramatic events -- little, ordinary life moments -- that were also a part of Who Christ was/is. I like to think about those scenes, too. I love to think of Jesus laughing and smiling. There's something so comforting in the thought of Jesus having a good time at the Wedding at Cana or sitting around the campfire with His disciples or playing with children or joking around with teen-agers. Doesn't it just make you happy to think about scenes like that?

Some time ago, I ran across these beautiful sketches by artist, Jean Keaton. I think they're a beautiful depiction of scenes that must-have-been.

Please visit Jean Keaton's website and consider purchasing her beautiful prints! The prolific circulation of these sketches on the internet has been a blessing to many, and has gratified this lovely Christian artist, but, needless to say, it's also put a dent in her sales. She has a new line of prints featuring Our Lord with soldiers , a lovely one of the Blessed Mother with Infant Jesus that is also touching, and many others.

Out of these, I like the first picture, Jesus with the women; it makes me think of Martha and Mary (especially as yesterday was the feast of St. Martha, a saint with whom I can identify!). And I love all the pictures with the children, but especially the one where Jesus is holding the baby up over his head and the one where He's tickling the toddlers. Oh, and that last one, too, where He's kissing the infant's head. I just love them all! Wouldn't any of these be a wonderful baby shower gift? Or just a gift to myself...

Because I need all the stress-relief I can get. And, like my friend, Marcy, posted this morning -- joyful prayer and meditation does wonders for the blood pressure!