Turning Toward

“Jesus said to her, “Mary.” Mary turned toward Jesus and said in the Jewish language, “Rabboni.” (This means Teacher.) John 20:16

I have been the speaker at the Community Senior Luncheons this month and was asked to share about stress since it is Stress Awareness month. This past Tuesday, Bonnie responded, “When I am stressed, I eat desserts because if you spell stressed backward it is “desserts.” It is true for many people, when stress, worry, anxiety, or fear enter their thoughts, they attempt to stuff it down with food, mainly sweets or unhealthy snacks. People turn to something external to deal with these feelings. What do you turn toward?

We tend to turn toward many options in this world when faced with challenges, pain, loss, and changes. We seek comfort, guidance, and support. Some choices are only ways to escape the pain and heartache for a short period of time, but it does not bring hope and healing. Life may feel heavy and dark at times with no light to turn toward to guide our path.

Recently I was at Lake Erie and discovered the statue of the “Lightkeepers” at the Port Clinton lighthouse. The Lightkeepers’ purpose was to guide boats in the dark of the night to find the shore, to prevent accidents, and to ensure the light was always on. The light was a guide toward safety. What light are you going toward in life?

Life can feel uncertain and scary when we have experienced changes and losses. Maybe the person who has been your guide and light in life is no longer here with you. You may feel lost trying to find your way in this different life without your lightkeeper. Maybe the darkness of fear and stress has you turning toward worry. You do not know what to do and it feels like life is not what you planned or hoped. So, you just turn inward and circle your thoughts constantly in worry and fear.

Easter hope calls us to turn toward Jesus. Mary Magdelene on Resurrection morning went to the tomb of Jesus to weep. Mary had gone inward with her grief and fear. She discovered the stone of Jesus’ tomb was rolled away from the entrance, and the body of Jesus was gone. Jesus then appeared to her, but she did not recognize him until Jesus spoke her name and Mary turned toward Jesus.

In our grief and sadness, sometimes it is difficult to feel and see Jesus with us through the darkness of our pain. Jesus calls your name. He speaks to your heart and calls you and me to turn toward him in our sadness and hurt. Are you turning to the light of Jesus in every situation of your life? Easter reminds us of this hope that Jesus is alive and with us. We are never alone. Jesus will take our stress, worry, fears, and losses and carry the burden. Jesus lightens our load. We just need to keep turning toward Him. Jesus is our lightkeeper guiding us through the rough waters of life.

Unfortunately, it is easy to get lost in the darkness of the world and pile on the stress and worries even in the hope that Easter brings. Easter reminds us to refocus our lives to the One who is the light of the world, Jesus. Jesus brings hope, a hope of a hope. You are not alone. Change your focus from your stress and worries to Jesus who brings light and hope and the assurance He will walk with you. Turn your eyes on Jesus!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

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