Lunch with Jesus

Today I linger over lunch. Shortly after I enter the south-side eatery, the rain begins in earnest. I watch it fall in sheets past the open door and hear the hissing of the passing traffic. No need to rush out into the downpour. Instead I find respite in a conversation with Jesus.

I could be in any city: New York, London, Minneapolis. And for a moment I transport myself to an other setting, as if being away makes this space more inviting, refreshing, healing. As if it is in the otherness that I can most easily recognize my lunch companion in the here.

It is in lingering that I am reminded of and restored by the love that is at hand.