Hidden Pictures

by Kari Diane Pike

I've decided that my journey studying the scriptures is a lot like the hidden picture coloring pages I used to love so much as a child. Do you know the ones I'm talking about? Every once in awhile I still find one in the Friend magazine or in Highlights for Children. They give you an ink drawing with a list of hidden objects that have been camouflaged to blend in with other parts of the picture. Some of those hidden items pop right out at me. Other things require more time and effort to find. Once I finally identify a particularly elusive object, it becomes so obvious, I beat myself up for having struggled to find it.

When I open my scriptures, I have a similar experience. Some concepts are easily recognized. Commandments are spelled out. Blessings are named. But I am learning that there are hidden pictures --treasures even--on every single page. Some are buried deeper than others. And what I get out of the scriptures depends entirely on the effort I put into trying to  learn and understand--and listen to the Spirit. 

Last week, while I was reading John, chapters 5 and 6, I experienced one of those hidden picture moments. Pondering on this telling of Jesus feeding the five thousand, I read John 6:9 where Andrew says of the five barley loaves and two small fishes, "...but what are they among so many?"

What happened next? The Savior fed the multitude with enough and to spare. 

The clarity that came to my mind is that Jesus Christ, through His atoning grace does the same for me. All too often, I hold back because I don't think that what I have to offer is good enough. Someone's name will come to my mind to go visit and I will put it off because I don't have a loaf of bread ready to share. Or I see that someone is having a hard day but I won't say anything because I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing. 

What this new clarity is teaching me is that I can give what I have--my time, my talents, my love, my energy--and He will make it enough and to spare, just like He did with the loaves and fishes. All I need is a willing heart and faith in my Savior. I may not have a loaf of bread, but I have a strong back to lend a helping hand. I might be at a loss for words, but I have a listening ear and a soft shoulder. 

To mash up some of my favorite Easter hymns,

Everything changes. Nothing is sure--Except for the Savior.

Because He lives, I have no need to fear.

He is always here for me.

He is Wisdom.

He is Love.

He is the True Word.

He is my Battle Shield, my Sword, my Dignity and my Delight.

He is my Shelter.

He is Light.

He is Love--Amazing Love.

He is my Redeemer.

He is the Son of God.

He lives.

May you find the peace and joy you seek this week as we celebrate God's divine gift of love this Easter weekend.

hugs~