Thin places

There are times when God seems exceptionally close - close enough to bring tears quickly, to rend your heart, to cause uproarious laughter . . .

This morning I got up at 5. My roommate, Bart Stone, and I walked down to the shore of the Sea of Galilee to watch the sun rise. As the sun ripped over the mountain I swam about 40 yards out from shore. As I was treading water I couldn't help but think of Peter jumping over the side of the boat after recognizing Jesus and then swimming to shore. I swam to shore. Thin place.

At 8:30 we went to the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. I knelt down and lifted water over my head. Tears flowed with the Jordan. Thin place.

Later, we took a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. With the crowds pressing in on the shores I came to believe that the Sea was most likely a quiet place for Jesus. That two hours of sailing was welcome respite before walking amidst the masses once again. I rested. Thin place.

We closed the day with communion. My prayer partner, David Loveless, served me the body and blood of Christ. As he broke the bread he said to me, "This is the body broken for all of our idiotic screw-ups in life." I started laughing and handed him the cup saying, "And this is the blood shed for all of our idiotic screw-ups yet to come." We walked away from the altar laughing out loud. Thin place.

May you find your thin place.