The family living across the street from us- the Pritchett family- are great neighbors. Their children watch our dogs while we are traveling. They bring us fresh fruit and vegetables off their family farm. And they invite us over often for food and friend gatherings. You can’t beat the Pritchetts.

Recently, a friend of theirs gave them a small statue of Jesus. Yes, a concrete Jesus. The “giver” of this gift placed it underneath a large oak tree in their side yard. I’d never noticed it- until recently when that tree had to be taken down.

All that remains of that big, old tree is a stump. And at the base of that stump is the concrete likeness of Jesus.

When I leave for work each morning, I see Jesus on the stump. And when I return home each evening…Jesus on the stump.

When I’m throwing football with the boys in the front yard, I look over to see the statue. Each morning when I open our front blinds, I look over at this concrete artwork.

While the image isn’t a source of worship, it does serve as a visual reminder of my need for a relationship with Jesus.

It prompts prayer at least a couple of times a day. It reminds me to think about neighbors who are sick or struggling with family issues.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Jesus is everywhere. His love is visible all around us.

That they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us... Acts 17:27

Where do you see Jesus each day? Is it in your spouse or children? Do you see Jesus in a co-worker? Or perhaps it’s a neighbor or a friend at church. The love of Jesus is never far from us, as His ever-present care of us is manifested all around us each and every day.

My prayer this week is to consciously seek the presence of Jesus in my live…and to try to share this love with others.

Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.