What's Your Top 5?

 

 Consider including these reflective questions in your prayer moments this week.

  Your Lenten path has brought you to the shore of a beautiful lake. The water is a refreshing change from the desert landscaping.  As you draw near, you see Jesus comfortably resting under a small tree.  He smiles and waves for you to come closer. As you are walking you see Jesus stand up and spread a large picnic blanket before you.  Jesus smiles and says, "Take a seat and rest with me for awhile."  You happily sit down and Jesus hands you a bottle of water.

  You open the bottle and take several sips before exclaiming, "Wow,  I didn't realize how thirsty I was."

  Jesus smiles and said, "Yes, you looked like you needed some refreshment."  For a few minutes you and Jesus just sit next to each other looking out at the water. The sun feels warm on your face and the gentle breeze coming off the lake feels perfect. "Do you mind if I ask you a couple of fun questions?" Jesus asks.

"Sure," you answer.

  "I don't want you to answer right away, though.  I want you to think about it before you answer," Jesus instructs.

  "Ok, I can do that," you answer.

  "Looking back on your life, what are your top 5 favorite moments of prayer?"

  "Hmm...ok let me think about this.  There's no right or wrong answer, right?"

  Jesus laughs.  "This isn't a test. I was just wondering, just making conversation. You see, I have no problem drawing close to you.  I have lots of favorite moments.  I was wondering how you saw things."

  You smile back at Jesus, "Ok, no right or wrong answer, just my opinion....let me see..."  You close your eyes and allow yourself to relax as you flip through memory after memory of your life.  As you consider different moments you realize that some moments were definitely turning points in your life.  Some moments brought peace, some understanding, healing, or strength, and some were pure joy.  After a long time you turn and look at Jesus.  "Jesus, how could I possibly only choose five?"

  Jesus returns the smile and says, " I like that answer.  I'll take it."  Jesus picks up a small stone and watches it skip across the surface after he throws it.  " Ok, I've got another one for you. Tell me your top 5 favorite masses. The ones you were super excited about."

  "Same deal, right?  No right or wrong answer?"

  "Right.  Take your time.  No rush."  Jesus picks up a few more stones and continues to skip them across the water.

  "Ok, let me think,....."  There are definitely a few that come to mind right away.  This question seems a little easier as you continue to search your memories.  After some time has passed, you announce, "Ok, I think I have narrowed it down." (Take a moment to tell Jesus your favorite masses.)

  Jesus again smiles at you and says, "I enjoyed those as well."  Jesus then hands you some stones and says, "Let me see how good you are at skipping a stone."

  You take the stones from Jesus and give it your best shot.  Together you laugh and skip stones together.  "You know this was really fun today!" you admit. "I have really enjoyed myself.  Can I ask you something Jesus?"

  "Sure, go ahead."

  "Were my answers ok, did I disappoint you?"

  Jesus turns to look directly at you and says, "I told you there were no right or wrong answers."

  "I know, but why did you want to know?" you asked.

  "Well lots of times I hear you say, 'I have to say my prayers' or 'I have to go to church' as if it just some obligation.  I don't ever say I have to spend time with you.  It is something I enjoy and I look forward to doing it.  I love you.  I have so much more I want to share with you, but sometimes I have the feeling you're just not that into it."

  You close your eyes and allow yourself to feel those memories as well. You slowly shake your head back and forth and then rub your temples with your hands.  You open your eyes and say, "I'm sorry. You're right.  I think that is something I should work on."

  Jesus smiled once again and said, "I like that answer, I'll take it."

-Susan