We downsized a few years ago, and after living in our larger space for decades, we have fewer things. Less furniture, decor, books, square feet and storage. Overall, it has been a marvelous change. “Less is more”, yet with the positives, I find myself searching for things. I know I have an item somewhere, but after looking high and low, I’m unsuccessful. Most of the time, I’m frustrated. Sometimes, I find myself panicking. If I’m hunting for a document of importance it is upsetting. I wish I could say my immediate response is to ask God where it is. When I stop the panic inducing hunt, take a breath and pause, peace returns, and God does direct my attention. The misplaced item is found.

I cannot begin to tell you how many times it was hiding in plain sight! I'd roll my eyes, not at someone else, but myself. So much time is wasted and that only adds to my frustration. If only I could learn to stop, look up to the One who knows, and listen.

Traveling in the Gospel of Mark as a church family, yesterday we walked through chapter 6. Moving quickly (as our pastor pointed out, Mark moves fast) we unpacked verses 30-52. Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure to even eat. And they went away to a desolate place by themselves. vs 31,32

We have the disciples returning from doing the ministry Jesus called them to. They are exhausted and hungry. I don’t know about you, but I am not fun to be around in that state.

Jesus and the disciples go, planning to rest and recharge. No such luck. Word spreads when people have been healed, restored and reborn. The crowds ran to find Jesus and in verse 34, Jesus sees them, has compassion on them and begins teaching them many things.

Now it is late in the day, it is a desolate place (remember, Jesus had just encouraged them to come away to a desolate place) and there are close to 20,000 men, women and children. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is late now. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” vs 35-36 The disciples are telling Jesus what to do? That blows my mind and convicts me. I do the same.

This is the miracle of 5 loaves and 2 fish. Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish; everyone ate and was satisfied. There were 12 baskets left over. Gee, that is one basket for each disciple!

Everyone is fed and full. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. vs 45-47

The wind was against the boat and Jesus saw them struggling. It is the fourth watch of the night, so between 3:00am and 6:00am, Jesus walked on the sea. The disciples see him and freak out! They thought it was a ghost and were terrified. They cried out in fear and immediately Jesus spoke to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid”. And he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. vs 48-52 paraphrased.

They missed it. Completely. Yet they were astounded. I am in awe and amazement when the eyes of my heart are open and I see, recognize and acknowledge Jesus working in the details of my life. Occasionally my astonishment is due to my missing Jesus right in front of me. I lack, he multiplies. I hurt; he heals. I am terrified and the storm in my life becomes calm.

I live on the shore of Lake Michigan. Beautiful and unpredictable. Calm and peaceful one moment, crashing whitecaps the next. Just like our lives. Some storms are slow in building and we can prepare for them. Others come out of seemingly nowhere and terrify us. Unexpected or slow in coming, storms in our lives will come. The disciples witnessed a miracle of Jesus feeding the crowd and there were leftovers, yet they didn’t really see. They missed it.

I do the same. Jesus is working in my life every single moment, and I still miss it. I’m so busy thinking about what I need to do or what others could or should do to help me, I miss Jesus. The words of Jesus to the terrified disciples are words spoken to those of us who love and follow Jesus, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50b

And you, my reader friend? Do you see the miracles, big and small, or do you miss them? Jesus is with us. He is near, in dwells with us. When have you marveled? I’d love to hear your story. Please leave a comment or email me at 2coronefour@gmail.com