A Tender Moment!

In all of our lives I’m sure many of you have experienced some tender moments. Maybe a time where a loved one is leaving to move faraway and there is that moment of ‘goodbye’. It could be like the picture above, where a mum is holding her baby close to her and their heartbeats are as one. That moment when you realise that your child is relying on your unconditional love. Even seeing a baby’s first smile.

Could such a tender moment, when someone you may have had a difference with, gives you a hug and a relationship is restored.

Surely tender moments invariably involve people, where relationships are made, strengthened or rebuilt. Those moments where eyes meet and there is an instant connection far beyond just a glance. Such moments where hearts meet and a deep love abounds. Reflecting on the Easter story again, I turned to John’s Gospel chapter 20 vv 10-18 and read of such a tender moment I feel that I had not really noticed before. It is where Mary Magdalene was at the empty tomb by herself after the disciples had gone back, still not quite understanding what Jesus had told them about rising from the dead.

There was Mary, realising the tomb was empty, confused, bewildered and at a loss to what had happened to Jesus’ body. Tears streaming down her face and so distraught she barely heard the voice asking her why she was crying and who she was looking for. Thinking this person was the gardener, she asked where he had put the body. Then came what must be one of the most tender moments in Scripture, Jesus simply called her name – ‘Mary’. At this moment I can imagine the flood gates of Heaven must have opened and a love beyond words poured out. Mary cried out, ‘Teacher’. That must have been the most tender moment imaginable, a relationship confirmed and endless. As we read on, Mary then rushed back to the disciples with the news that she had met the Lord.

My prayer is that at this Eastertime you have a new experience of Jesus and share a tender moment with Him, that will last forever.