I almost did not attend the very first leg of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. It was so hot with the threat of a downpour at any moment. Plus I would be heading downtown by myself with the kids (my friend needed to stay home with her youngest, so I offered to take the rest!). I am not comfortable navigating downtown alone!
Yet, the Lord had other plans. He wanted me there. He wanted me with Him. He wanted me.
I was not feeling it that day, I was in one of the heaviest seasons in my life. At a time I was already struggling to go to Him, He was waiting for me.
As we were waiting for the procession to make its way down San Marco Ave/Historic A1A in Downtown St. Augustine, FL, the 11-year-old said to me, “Auntie Jen, can you believe the music that’s playing from that bar?” I noticed he was a bit flabbergasted, and maybe even annoyed. It totally makes sense, right?
Our Lord is literally coming down the street and almost the whole city is unchanged: barely taking notice or cheering us on as if it were a fun parade.
I smiled and said, “I know! It’s kind of odd, right? But, the Lord chose to come into the world as loud and imperfect as it is. And I think this procession is doing just that!”
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, emphasis added).
The Lord did not come to an already perfect world who loved Him. He came to be among us. In the mess and chaos and imperfection and loud music. He came to be with us, exactly as we are. To be present. To show up. To love us.
Perhaps that’s what I needed to be reminded of that day.
Even when, especially when, I don’t feel it.
Even when I am distracted.
Even when I don’t show up the way I want to.
Even when I doubt He cares.
Even when I wonder where He is.
At first I didn’t think anything poignant or profound happened that day. However…
I did find myself eager with anticipation as the kids and I waited.
There was joy and sweet moments with the kids.
I was in awe of the number of people that joined the procession.
There was even the gift of a breeze that made the heat bearable.
He showed up.
Not because I was perfect.
Not because I had the right heart posture.
Not because I was particularly ready.
He just came.
And I suppose that’s pretty profound, after all.
What an awesome experience it was, indeed. If you live on the East Coast, I pray that you have the opportunity to attend the many processions making history in honor of our country’s 250 years!