If you had the power to read minds, this is what you would have overheard this morning in my office.

Me: So how are you doing this morning?

Jesus: I’m alright. But I’m really concerned with the world. Man, things are just messed up. I wish people would just learn to get along.

Me: Why don’t we?

Jesus: Because everyone thinks they’re better than each other.

Me: Everyone?

Jesus: You too.

Me: I guess you’re right. I do think I’m better than some people.

Jesus: Either that or they think that others are better than them, which is just as bad.

Me: Good point. So what’s the solution?

Jesus: Look at me, man. I didn’t think I was better than anyone.

Me: But you were. You were better than everyone!

Jesus: Exactly.

Me: So you, the only person who deserved to think he was better than everyone didn’t. Hm... I guess you’ve made some good points. I should try to start practicing humility and serving others.

Jesus: Exactly!

Me: Man, why is it so hard for me to spend time with you? I’ve been sitting here for like 2 minutes and I want to get up and do something else.

Jesus: Because you haven’t done it in awhile and you’re afraid that you’ll put out the effort to show up and I won’t fulfill my end of the bargain and show up as well. You still see me like all the other people in your life who have at some point let you down or not fulfilled your expectations.

Me: Yeah you’re totally right. I mean, I know that you’re trustworthy, and I know that you care and will show up. I think maybe I’m afraid that there will be something so wrong with me that I won’t be able to know that you showed up.

Jesus: There’s something to think about. You’ve heard that teaching many times before. Do you think it’s true or not?

Me: I don’t know I’ll have to think about it.

Jesus: Now, let’s talk about your heart.

Me: Yeah, it’s a mess.

Jesus: Yeah it is, but that’s okay. We can work on it.

Me: Man, this would be a great idea for a blog entry or a book! I should be writing down what we’re saying here.

Jesus: No, forget about the book. Focus! We’re talking about your heart.

Me: ... Sorry, Jesus, I keep thinking about the book. My mind keeps wandering.

Jesus: Forget the book. Focus on those shadows for a second.

Me: Okay... Wow. That’s better. My mind's not wandering anymore. How did you do that?

Jesus: It’s one of the perks that comes with obedience to me. You know how much I love you? I love you enough to be okay when you’re talking to me but your mind is wandering to book deals. I really really love you, Corrie.

Me: Thanks. I don’t think I’d be okay if someone’s mind was wandering to things like that when I was talking with them. Man, Jesus, I really want some coffee.

Jesus: April’s going to make your some in just a little bit, remember?

Me: Yeah, but I want to go make some right now. I’m cold and it would be perfect timing to have coffee right now.

Jesus: No, it wouldn’t be perfect timing. Because you’d get coffee, then when April made some for you, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy it because you just had not-as-good coffee right before the really good stuff.

Me: You make a point. So what you’re saying is that impatience ruins a good thing for something not as good.

Jesus: Pretty much. Can you see where this might apply to other areas of your life?

Me: Sure. Especially with the whole “I’m done with being single” thing. Forcing an issue or trying to make something happen before it’s time will not only turn out badly, but it will ruin the good thing later one, whether you get to experience it or not. Man, I’m already living that. I thought you wanted to talk to me about my heart, though.

Jesus: Yeah, I did. But you can only hear what you can hear right now. And this is our first conversation in awhile. We’ll work up to it.

Me: Yeah, it’s a little harder than I thought or would care to admit. Sorry. Let’s keep this up, though. I really do want to love you and want to spend time with you.

Jesus: I know your heart. Don’t worry.

Me: Okay, thanks. Hey, could you stick around today? I’m pretty sure that problems will come up today like they do every day, and it would just be better and I’d probably run less of a risk of screwing things up if you were around and we were talking.

Jesus: Of course. I’m always around.

Me: True. True. Could you help me remember that you’re around? You know how forgetful I can be.

Jesus: Sure I will. I love you, Corrie.

Me: I love you too, Jesus.