Yoder: I Saw Jesus Today

By Kathy Yoder

As I walked through the bustling Vacation Bible School this week, I saw Jesus today. He isn’t in the clouds in the sky. He’s here on earth in the heart of a teacher telling her students that God is with us wherever we go.

I saw Jesus today, not lounging on a gold-encrusted throne far away, but sitting on a hay bale, holding a turtle and showing children that God is real.

I saw Jesus today in the heart of a music teacher, her voice blending with 100 children singing praises to Him. She smiles as their hands wave high, her heart touched by their joy, and Jesus taps His toe to their song.

I saw Jesus today in the heart of a mother who worked hard for a good education to provide for her children and set an example. She knows the blessings of freedom, having traveled a long road from a distant land to build a life here.

I saw Jesus today, not handing out flyers about the end of the world, but watching tomorrow’s leaders disguised as young girls. Some share snacks with children and adults, ensuring no one’s forgotten, focused only on others’ needs. Others guide children through crafts or herd them to their next activity.

I saw Jesus today in the heart of a nurse. She pulls out her Boo-Boo Bag, extracts a sliver with gentle skill, and turns a teary frown into a grateful smile with a colorful Band-Aid.

I saw Jesus today, not campaigning for president, but quietly vacuuming popcorn to prepare a welcoming space for the children returning tomorrow.

I saw Jesus today, alive in the hearts of eleven college students who set aside video games to teach children about courage, knowing God is our strength.

I saw Jesus today, not dining at a five-star restaurant, but in the kitchen, laughing with volunteers as they prepare snacks and share pizza with boys and girls who gave a week to tell children about Him.

And then, I saw Jesus today in a chain of kindness that began with one little girl’s heart. She’s not in the mall shopping for bargains, but here on earth, noticing another girl without shoes and telling her mother.

I saw Jesus today in that mother, not reading a book about love or waiting for someone else to act. She traces the foot of the shoeless girl and drives to the store to buy brand-new pink shoes.

I saw Jesus today, not confined to a box where some think He belongs. He’s in the heart of that mother as she delivers the pink shoes to the shoeless girl’s sister, who beams with gratitude, excited for her sister and not once thinking of herself.

That sister calls the mother kind and thoughtful, and that mother, her heart as big as Jesus’, knows she’s received the greatest gift of all.

Look around you today—where do you see Jesus in the kindness of others? How might you share His love through a small act of your own?

Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer and Christian author. She may be reached at Kathyyoder4@gmail.com and Kathyyoder.com.