Jesus and Jim
A shabbily-dressed old man came into church every day at 12 noon, stood before the Holy table for a few minutes, and then went away. He never missed a day and always appeared at the same time. Eventually, someone asked him why he did this.
The old man replied: “I’m not well educated to pray a long prayer, so I just stand here and say, ‘Jesus, it’s Jim,’ and then wait a moment. I’m sure he hears me.”
Soon afterward Jim was knocked down by a car and was taken to hospital. From that time on, the often-grumbling patients where Jim was, became happier. They said it was because of old Jim’s cheerfulness.
But why should he be so cheerful and happy? When asked by a nurse, he replied that it was because of his daily visitor. The nurse knew he never had any visitors and asked him who came and when. “Every day at 12 noon, Jesus comes and stands at the foot of my bed, smiles and says, ‘Jim it’s Jesus.’“
This story has some lovely truths. The best and most effective prayers aren’t always the longest or most ‘cleverly’ worded. Prayer doesn’t require an IQ test. Sometimes in prayer we may feel lost for words, not knowing what to say, as we contemplate the wonder and love of Jesus. But we needn’t worry, we can be most truly ourselves, without pretense, simply by saying “It’s me.”
Jim had discovered that honest and open approach to prayer. He had also found a simple trust in Jesus.
Jesus is greater than even the most brilliant minds can imagine. His life and teachings have occupied the attention of Biblical scholars and Theologians for centuries and will go on doing so. But at the same time, He also satisfies the humblest mind and everyone can enjoy and trust in Him.
Jim showed how quietly and unobtrusively we can enable others to see Jesus and to enjoy His presence.