They took him with them in the boat, just as he was.
—Mark 4.36
Not the holy, jewel-encrusted Jesus,
not the Son of God believe-it-or-else Jesus,
but the teacher from Galilee, plain, just as he is.
No emblems, no gesture, no crown.
No doctrine, no special powers.
Just his presence, his open heart, his willing flesh.
Let him go with you. Take him as he is.
He will change your journey (You will be frightened.)
Just get in the boat.
—June 21, 2018