My parents and I have been reading a scripture reflection every morning at breakfast. We continue to go through the Resurrection story as the Easter season goes through Pentecost – 50 days after Easter. This morning we read a little more about when Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus only to find that He was not there. She thought someone had taken His body away and was crying just at the opening. Jesus was there and asked why she was weeping, but she didn’t recognize Him. She thought He was the gardener. The question for reflection was, “Are there times when Jesus is especially present and I miss it?” I answered, “Yes – often!” and left it at that. But as I thought about this more, specific moments came to my mind – when I was a child, suffering with a disease and feeling all alone; when I was going through my divorce and in so much pain that I could hardly function; when I had to help my son make a college decision and didn’t know the first thing about it; when I went through a particularly dry period in my prayer life and could not feel God’s presence. I think it is easier to recognize God in wonderful events. But in those times when I struggle, I can fall into despair and self pity. In hindsight, though, I can see how Jesus has been there too – keeping me safe and encouraging me through others.

I Found God today in a reminder of how Jesus is always present to us, but we are the ones who sometimes need to open our eyes to recognize Him.