Visitations

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace.” // Luke 19:41-42

I was annoyed. I had a lot to do that day. Errands to run, meetings to prepare for, and dinner to cook. But she lingered in my entryway after returning a borrowed book, making small talk while our children settled into playing.

I could tell she wanted to talk. To really talk. I just wished I had prior notice. 

But my glance swept over the sign above our front door. It reads: “There is always room in the inn.” We placed that there as soon as we moved in because we want to live with open hearts and homes. And, clearly, I need the reminder to prefer others to myself. 

Convicted, I invited her in for some tea and a sit. She confided the struggles of her heart, and we were able to spend lovely, encouraging time together. 

Jesus makes a clear connection in today’s Gospel: “what makes for peace” is “recognizing the time of your visitation” (see Luke 19:41-44).

We lack peace when we lack the vision to see His visitation to us in others. Do I want to be annoyed by the Lord showing up? Do I want to dismiss Him because I have “more important” things to tend to?

Of course not. And so I must train myself to set aside my scurrying and stuffing so I can slow down enough to see Who is actually before me.

When I saw my acquaintance’s visit as an interruption, I was agitated. When I reframed it and saw it as a visitation, I was joyful. 

Friend, we want to do great things for God, and, really, it is not complicated. Will we accept God’s will in our lives as revealed in the present moment? Will we recognize His visitation in the events and people before us this very day? Or will we be like Jerusalem, rejecting Him because He does not come when and how it is convenient or ideal for us? 

Today, look at your life with fresh eyes. Look for Jesus in everyone you encounter and every task that comes your way. He is visiting you, and in this is your peace.