I met Jesus in the context of loneliness during my winter quarter as a college freshman.  The transition to college the previous fall had been paved with lots of easy friendships- superficial and fun. But they vanished. Winter is cold in Central Illinois and I was mocked by my inner cold and isolation. But I decided, out of habit I suppose, to show up at church one Sunday in January. The service was non-traditional. The students were in charge of all aspects of the service that day.

 I dutifully occupied a spot in the back row of the choir. I distinctly remember the “testimonies” of two women students who shared their Christian experiences. These were not stories so much about spiritual matters, but real, practical, day to day matters. One needed financial assistance to remain in school.

It had reached a crisis point. She prayed and was led to a job in the administration office. Clearly, it seemed, God is interested in these kinds of things. The other student’s story also expressed this kind of relational day to day faith.

As I was thinking about this, it seemed that Jesus showed up at my elbow and asked me if I wanted a relationship like that: the relationship of a faithful friend.  I acquiesced: I suppose willingness had been created in me. Immediately, quietly, without my moving a muscle or saying a word, I sensed His indwelling presence. He has remained.