January 15th

“Nathanael asked him, "Where did you come to know me?" John 1:48a

that’s the question, isn’t it?
the one folded up
in the back pocket of doubt.
‘have we met before?’
it is as if someone recognizes us
by accident, thinking
we’re someone else, as if
we need to be introduced to love.
but Jesus doesn’t pull up a selfie
or a bunch of text messages,
it’s simply the fact that
he saw us when we were lost,
with no memorized answers,
no hiding place no one else knows,
no practiced explanations.
you see, we are not discovered
because we know the right questions,
or come from the right family,
or went to the best schools,
but grace keeping an eye out for us,
recognizing us long before
we catch a glimpse of love—
a holy surprise.

© 2026 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman