Where have you seen Jesus today?

Jesus shows up everywhere, but most of the time we miss him in the moments he wants us to notice most.

Last week I was at a swim meet. Several times I witnessed great compassion and encouragement from the spectators and coaches alike.

One swimmer had only the courage to swim half way down the lane. She stopped and began to panic. The coach jumped in to encourage her by swimming alongside of her. It was a very beautiful scene as the coach was more interested in the swimmer finishing than she was about the swimmers time. Everyone cheered and the next event began.

Another swimmer had an asthma attack. It was hot & humid and the air quality, according to the weather bug, was poor. People gave the swimmer her space as she was being assessed by the coach, who is also a nurse. As I made my way over I saw a man walk up to the swimmer’s father and embrace him. The dad cried uncontrollably on the man’s shoulder (at that time no one knew it was asthma related, it was the fear of the ‘unknown’ that was overwhelming). Next, the man embraced the swimmer’s brother and he wept as well. About that time, this big, burly, older gentleman walked up to the dad and wrapped him up in his arms. It was a great scene to witness! Of course, if you weren’t looking to see where Jesus was working you would have just witnessed a man hugging another man. I believe God sent both men to lovingly embrace the dad. If the first gentleman wouldn’t have made the first move I wonder if the second gentleman would have. Sometimes it starts with one person reaching out through compassion to stir the heart of another!

The last scene is one in which I absolutely love, special needs children. A special swimmer jumped in to swim and made her way to the rope. We first thought she was scared but then realized that she was not afraid, but apparently thought she was the star of the swim meet. She hung on the rope and began to wave wildly at the crowd. We laughed and waved back to her. It was her cue to her parents that she was finished!! My heart was so blessed to see the special swimmer participate in a county recreation sport. My heart melted and all I could do was thank the Lord for giving her the parents she had. They certainly are investing in her! ❤️