~ written by Connie Dunmyer
I do love a good conversation. I'm not great at starting a conversation, but I am a "joiner". When my grandson was 3 or 4 years old, he would always grab my hand and take me into another room, where there was no one else, so we could sit and talk – just the two of us. Have you ever wondered what a conversation with Jesus would be like? A private one – just the two of you, sitting on the sofa, or walking around the neighborhood. If you and Jesus were face to face, what would you say? How would you act? I was posed this question some years ago, and I think it was instrumental in the way I communicate with Jesus. Below is an early "conversation" I found from July 2013. It’s a literal conversation. Though you won’t know all the events or the names involved, I think you’ll get the point. It’s good for us to remember that this is the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us – personal. Let’s all make some time for a private conversation with Jesus. No appointment needed.
7/5/2013
So, Jesus, You and me, here, in a private conversation.
How would it be different than your normal prayers?
Well, in one big way. I’m sure I would listen more intently. And I bet I would whine less.
But I imagine Your words would probably be very much like I read in Your Word. Sometimes I would understand – and sometimes I would go “huh?” . . .
And then you’d sit there trying to figure it out in your head anyway.
Yup. That sounds like me. But I imagine I would also be quicker to trust, if I could see the words come out of your face.
And I suppose I would have questions. Like “why did Tim have to die so young?” Or “did you also have issues being the oldest sibling?” I would also ask you to stay with us … to go with us … to eat with us … to never leave.
You can ask for that now, can’t you? I can’t show you everything today, but I can stay, go, eat with you. And I’ve promised to never ever leave you.
Yeah. I know. I guess I’d just be happy and comforted by the fact You wanted to be with me. And all my words and questions and fears would all fall away.
Yes – as I imagine a quiet conversation with You – I can hear You talk about the beauty of a sunset. Must be great to be able to paint like that! And me?
You know, don’t you, that as beautiful as a sunset is, my greatest creation is you. It’s all people everywhere. Every person ever since Adam are created by my hand.
Well then, I guess all I really have to add is my thanks for all You have given me. Thank You for:
- This life, for my husband, for my girls.
- Our home now and all the places we’ve lived – for the fun, the beauty, and for all the blessings even during the turmoil.
- Always providing for us, and for that dime on my chair (& for all it represented in the months that followed).
- For helping me and giving me wisdom & strength to do things I couldn’t do on my own.
- For saving me on St. Mary’s Falls when I fell, and for saving me on “the mattress”, for protecting me from that evil man in San Bernardino.
- For the "interesting" path You chose for us and for saving me out of the parsonage and the “boxed-in-church”.
- Our travels and our many experiences: for two games at Lambeau Field, for Giverny, Breckenridge Twin Lakes, and the many trips to Hawaii – it’s like I’ve already glimpsed heaven. And thanks for football itself & the pure enjoyment it brings me.
- For Dr. Bravo, who taught me how spectacular this human body is that You created.
- For men like Dave Roever, who have sacrificed so much, but love You deeply and serve You fully.
- Thank You for friends given to us just when we needed them... for Reva, for Peggy, for Dan & Shirley, for Laurie, for Debbie & Tim, for Randy & Sue Ann, for Don & Sue. You gave us a piece of Yourself by giving them to us, for even a short time.
You’re welcome. And just wait until You see what else I’ve been preparing!
And I suppose You and I would laugh and laugh about some of those experiences: Like “falling” on the mattress . . . Getting Singletary’s Autograph . . . Giving Rolly the Hiemlich. . . . Oh and what about that skunk!
I want to laugh more, Jesus. I don’t think I’ve left enough laughter with my girls, with Dana and with friends. I want them to hear my laugh even when I’m gone. I don’t want them to associate me with pain or trials.
I hear you. Let’s see what we can do about that.
Thanks, Jesus! Thanks for hanging out with me – for laughing with me – and crying too. Thanks for loving me and for salvation. Thanks for Your Spirit which guides my steps and my very thoughts . . . even these.
I know this isn’t all-inclusive. But I think this is where my private conversation with You would go. And then of course, I would want my hug. Come to think of it, a hug from You might just be all I ever need.
Soon!
Amen.
Try It: It’s simple really. Just grab a cup of coffee, or a diet coke... or even take a walk. I like to read my Bible as I converse. They are His words after all. Talk to Jesus like He’s right beside you (because He is). Allow space for listening. Listen for a thought or impression in your spirit. Watch for words in your Bible to kind of "highlight". Jesus will communicate with you! It’s just that personal. So have your own conversation with Jesus. You’ll be glad you did. Here are some other examples of people and Jesus in conversation. Remember YOURS is JUST as important.
- John 4:7-42: Doesn’t matter who you are.
- Luke 7:36-50: Doesn’t matter what you’ve done.
- John 3:1-21: Doesn’t matter your intelligence or position.
- Luke 23:39-43: And it’s never too late.