Last week saw the second of nine residentials at Sarum College, where I am training in Spiritual Direction. We were looking at images of God, what different images said to us, what attracted us and what repelled us. During one exercise a wide variety of picture cards were laid on the floor for us to choose from. I chose a couple which had the same intention (to invite us to ‘come to Jesus’) and then this ‘wildcard’ caught my eye.

There were no details on the image, so I have no idea who the artist is and how I can possible thank them. I took the picture to a quiet place and gazed upon it, just ‘noticing’ the character that the artist had drawn into this well known Bible story, just noticing how God was revealing themself through this beautiful painting.

Jesus is not a large man,

but his hands are.

I am safe in those arms

those hands that hold me.

Large dirtied hands

hands that have worked

to tend the lambs

mend the fences

fight off foxes.

Hands that have wielded a crook.

His head is bowed towards mine

and I lean towards him

nestled, almost cheek to cheek.

The world is a dangerous place

but I am safe

I am protected

I am loved.

He looks at me, cherishing my presence

in his arms.

I am clean, and new,

whilst he is dirty and worn.

Dirtied and worn in his care for me.

Vanessa Cole, November 2021

Read the Bible story here.