I WILL SEE YOUR FACE

Show the wonder of your great love. . . . And I . . . will see your face.

Psalm 17:7, 15

HAVE you ever longed to see Jesus? Really see him?

These words from my husband’s journal describe the day Jesus “showed up” at a high school track meet when Spike was least expecting him.

Saturday, May 3:

“The stadium was filled with track teams from all over the state . . . the bright colors of their running clothes like a patchwork quilt spread out in the sun.

”Then Spike described a two-mile race in which a large number of runners—the best two from each district in Alabama—competed. He explained that usually there were not large gaps between the finishers, since all were state-qualifying runners.

But for the Alabama School for the Deaf, this was not the case. Their two runners finished dead last, almost a full lap behind the winners. I watched these two strong, handsome teenagers cross the track after the race, eyes downcast in embarrassment. Climbing the steps, they were the essence of broken spirits.Suddenly, bounding down the steps to meet them came their coach, a plump little man, a good two inches shorter than either boy. As the two runners approached him on the stairs, the first one raised his head and looked at the coach with such an expression of brokenness on his sweating face that I could scarcely bear it, and the second young man actually backed down a couple of steps.Reaching the first runner, the coach enfolded the boy with an enormous hug. Then looking him directly in the face, he spoke these words very distinctly and loudly:

“You did a fine job in running that hard race. I love you and I’m very proud of you!”

The runner looked unblinkingly at his coach’s mouth, straining to read the words on his lips. As their meaning gradually dawned, I watched a smile cover his face—a smile that was a joy to see.

The coach then bounded down the steps to where the second runner waited to face criticism. The coach spoke loudly enough for anyone within fifteen feet to hear:

“Martin, I’m proud of the race you ran. I told you we could have our best time and we did. I love you and I’m proud to be your coach.”

As he turned and accompanied the boys up the steps, patting them all the way, I could see that they were totally transformed, their exhausted bodies straight, their heads held high with renewed strength and confidence.

And so once again I saw him. Jesus. Clothed in green and yellow polyester shorts, with a stopwatch around his neck, coaching deaf runners in Troy, Alabama, in broad daylight for anyone to see.

“I love you and I’m proud to be your coach” is what he said.

Oh, Father, this world so desperately needs to see your Son.

Let it be through us.

Amen

#pray