Oh, what it would have been like to physically touch Jesus!  I know for myself personally, physical touch is a powerful way in which I connect with my Creator.  I often retreat to the mountains alone just to be with Him, and when the sun warms my skin and lights up the valley, I feel alive.  When a soft breeze brushes against my skin, it feels like His warm embrace.  

Then, when winter would hit, I used to struggle spiritually.  God, to me, felt cold, harsh, and dark.  Don’t get me wrong.  I LOVE winter and all that it has to offer, especially its beauty, but it’s a season where I’ve struggled more than others because of the way I experience God. 

Mood is scientifically affected by the weather outside, which is why Alaskans in particular struggle emotionally in the winter.  The bitter, bone-chilling cold, and darkness feel lonely.  I’ve been better at preparing myself for what is to come, but every single day that the sun rises later, and the sun sets earlier, there’s still a fraction of grief knowing what’s coming.  Cold. Dark.  It feels cruel and unkind, but I’ve been able to appreciate it differently lately. 

When I read a scripture like the above one and think about how the Word became flesh and dwelt among people, I can only imagine what that must have been like!  To look directly into the eyes of Jesus, have a conversation with Him, dine and drink with Him.  I cannot fathom it, yet I desire it. I wish I could have touched Jesus in the flesh, physically.  And while that will never happen on earth, I am humbled that we have the Holy Spirit who leads us to Him.