Over the years, I have loved and appreciated these photos and others by Frances Hook. You can read about her here. Large photos of the two on the left hung in the Sunday School room of the church where I grew up and later taught Sunday School in that same room, and they left a lasting impression on me throughout my life. So when I found them, I was ecstatic. Each one has a small story.
Whenever I felt sad or lonely, I’d think of the two photos on the left in my mind and picture myself as the one Jesus held and who touched my face as I looked at Him. The picture and the emotions it portrays bring comfort and show Jesus’s care for children as well as adults. I love that the children in these pictures were not in robes or dress of Bible times but are wearing clothing of today. This portrays the fact that Jesus’ love spans across years and years of time. I found the top left picture in a bookstore I visited on a trip to an out-of-town wedding. I glued it to a piece of wood and decoupaged it with glitter (which has since worn off). It hangs in my bedroom. I found the decorative plate in the lower left of the picture at a farmers market and it hangs in my den—in both places providing a constant reminder for me that God’s love is constant and never changes through the years.
Later I found the picture on the top right at a yard sale and purchased it because it reminds me that even Jesus had to take time to pray. This picture is only a tiny one that had been affixed to a piece of wood so it sits on the backboard of my bathroom sink. You might wonder why there. It’s the first thing I see when I go to the sink to wash my hands or brush my teeth. This reminder to pray first thing in the morning helps me to start my day on the right foot, and to pray when I’m getting ready for bed as I ask the Lord for a good night’s sleep and protection while I sleep.
The last picture of Jesus with cats came about after I had to put down my 16-year-old cat. I kept telling myself that I knew where she was, that she wasn’t in pain any more, and that Jesus was taking care of me, but I’m a visual person and needed that visual reminder. So I started searching the internet for pictures of Jesus with cats and found this one. It’s hanging near where I hang my keys so that when I come into my empty home (or pick up my keys to leave) I’m reminded that not only is Jesus with me but He is also with Joy and all the other animals He created.
Reminders are good. A post-it note in a lunchbox that says I love you is a good reminder to a child or spouse. An appointment card is a good reminder that you have somewhere to be at a certain time. Photos sitting around the home remind us of our friends and family and good times with them. Etcetera…
“May you have power together with all the Lord’s holy people to understand Christ’s love. May you know how wide and long and high and deep it is. And may you know his love, even though it can’t be known completely. Then you will be filled with everything God has for you.”
Ephesians 3:18-19, NiRV
Reminders can be annoying. An overflowing trash can remind someone they need to take the trash out. Seeing dirty footprints on the floor reminds you it’s time to clean but you’re busy. Bills piled up on your desk reminds you that there isn’t enough money to pay them all.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8, NIV
Loving care for others. God loves us and cares for us, and He wants us to care for others. When looking outwards and seeing the needs of the world at large, be careful your vision doesn’t get too long-distance focused. We need to care for those under our own roof first, whether that’s spouse, children, parents, or others living with us. God’s Word is very strong about lovingly caring for our families in the following verse:
“But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.”
1 Timothy 5:8, NLT
In some situations that loving care might look like spending time listening. Other situations might require a little elbow grease of help. Transportation, visiting, cooking meals, doing laundry… Everyone has different needs and there are many ways we can meet those needs. Keep your ears and eyes open and ask God how you can lovingly care for those around you whether it’s in your home or farther away.
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