Tell me about yourself.  Everything.  Tell me who you really are.  I’d like to hear about all the good things you’ve experienced, the things that have given you the greatest joy in life, and all that makes your life exciting.

I have always taken delight in my followers sharing with me their joys and successes.

– Ben Johnson, I Stand at the Door, CTS Press, 1986, 5.

Afterward, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at a kiosk for collecting taxes. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” 

Levi got up, left everything behind, and followed him.  Then Levi threw a great banquet for Jesus in his home. A large number of tax collectors and others sat down to eat with them.  The Pharisees and their legal experts grumbled against his disciples. They said, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 

Jesus answered, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do.  I didn’t come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives.” 

Luke 5:27-32

Over the next three days, Johnson will invite us to converse with Jesus, to share everything about our lives with Jesus.  Today, we are reminded to share what is good – to share our joy – to share our celebration with our Lord.  As we read the story of Levi, imagine what must have occurred between Jesus and him, in order for him to leave everything behind to follow Jesus.  Imagine the joy Levi had to feel about his new relationship with Jesus, in order to invite everyone he knew to his house for a celebration feast, where they too could come to know Christ.  Know that the kind of relationship that would inspire such action, is the kind of relationship Jesus longs to have with each of us; its the kind of relationship he longs to have with you.

Take some time today to converse with your Lord.  Share with Jesus the goodness you see in your life, just as you would share those details with a close friend.  You can do this in silent prayer, talking out loud (if you can find a private place :)) or by journaling.  Continue to open the door of your life to the one who deeply desires to share in it with you.

Holy Lord,
It is hard for me to imagine that you really want to know the mundane details of my life, and yet, scripture is full of examples of this from the time you spent with us on earth.  
You constantly encountered people, face-to-face, one-on-one,
and nurtured your relationship with them.  
Help me to trust your desire to do the same with me.  
Help me to trust your love for me.
Give me the courage to open up my heart and life to you.
AMEN