My first “meeting” was in listening to ABC Radio broadcasts of “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” We didn’t go to any church at the time, and Jesus was someone I’d never heard of before. Yet no matter how inviting the summer evening air might be to my six year old heart, I’d sit glued to that radio.

A couple years later, Christian Science―with its graceful elucidation of the Christ lived by Jesus, as the spiritual, eternal presence of God―brought an indescribable happiness and healing to our family.

And it seemed to me as if the sun would always shine.

But it wasn’t until much later, as an adult actually, that I again felt the awe and delight of those childhood meetings with Jesus. I’d somehow lost sight of him. I began to imagine myself feeling the hot sun and swirling dust when I ran with a crowd or waded in the Sea of Galilee as his boat came closer and closer, simply to get a glimpse of him―of Jesus, the most scientific man ever. Whether he was tall or short, dark or light in color, I knew he’d have been a standout. Calm yet strong. Knowing himself and why he’d come, he’d have shone with love and laughter. Discerning with grace and intelligence what everyone needed. Loving his Father-Mother God above all else.

It became real to me that wherever he walked or spoke or laughed Jesus would have lived a Love divine every moment.

Suddenly my acquaintance with Jesus felt informed. I was transported not just to another time and place, but to a sweet intelligent holiness. So as I imagine Jesus, obeying his mom and changing the water into wine; healing Peter’s mom of fever. Or of when his own heart overflowed and he raised the widow’s son from the funeral bier. Or of the day at the well when his intuitive grace embraced the Samaritan woman―my little heart fills to overflow.

Not sure when but the idea of ‘feet’ took on a deeper significance for me―maybe Mary of Magdala’s washing Jesus’ feet or all those said to have fallen at his feet.

” . .  I begin at the feet of feet of Christ . . .” wrote Mary Baker Eddy. To me feet have become the idea of ”making room in my life-moments” for the Christ. Room to try to truly emulate the love Jesus bore. To take off my sandals for all is holy ground. Sinking into Jesus’ story it’s felt as if my feet are planted more firmly. Washed by that divine Love Jesus so clearly lived.

With each sinking in, the washing takes place again―or is it just continuing lifting loving guarding my very being. And all I hold dear. It’s as if in Jesus’ story I find my own place in heaven.

For, “Christ Jesus paid our debt and set us free by enabling us to pay it; for which we are still his debtors, washing the Way-shower’s feet with tears of joy” and, ”Sitting at his feet, . . . I thank God who hath sent forth His word to heal and to save” (from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy founder of the Christian Science church).

Jesus . . . truly the greatest story ever told.

 

Patti Kadick lives in Salisbury. This expansion/adaptation of a piece she wrote for the Christian Science Sentinel, 4/23/2007, first appeared on her blog: aroundabovebeneath.com