How the Crossing Guard is Like Jesus.

There is so much deep and scary stuff going on in my world right now, and I know good writers should access that place, that stuff.  Some write their best work out of that place but it is too raw, too scary, too NOW for me to use.Writing is my therapy, it is my glass of wine and my bowl of ice cream, my 5 mile run, and my TV show marathon binge. My hobby, my sport  and my addiction.So from the not so depths of my soul, I give you this little ditty.We live in a small, quiet neighborhood that is blessed to have a sweet elementary school nestled in at the front. Although currently I choose to drive my youngest two up there most mornings, over the years my kids have been known to walk or ride their bikes on occasion and I appreciate the crossing guards and how they serve my precious community.We have had some nasty winter days here lately. Rain, sleet, snow and unexpected delays and closures. We poor Austinites are beside ourselves and we can't wait until we can complain about the heat again soon!Today was one of those days where school was delayed two hours due to the freezing temps and icy roads.  As I drove my boys to school I saw the crossing guard sitting at his spot.I thought to myself, "Ok, who in the world will walk or ride their bike on a day like today?" He waved and smiled like he always does. I raised my coffee mug to him as I always do...  it's our thing...This warms my heart and makes me thankful for my cozy little neighborhood.There are the few however, ( you know who you are!)  Who ride their bikes on days that I would deem too cold and he is there for them. Sometimes just one lone boy on a bike or a girl on a scooter.I thought, "Well, even if there is just one, it is worth it."I don't know if anyone rode a bike or a scooter today but he was there.For the one.He is there for the masses, but also for the one.Were he to save the one, protect the one, comfort and shelter the one, it would be worth it.Jesus ministered to the masses and also to the one.Jesus came to save the whole world but He cares about the one.If it were only you, He would still have come.He would still have given His life for you and you alone.This is how much Jesus cares for us. He has numbered the hairs on our head, knows the depths of our souls, and every thought we have ever had.And He desperately wants to know you and me.His arms are outstretched with protection and love, and sacrifice. We can run into His arms and be safe.Today is a  good day. Despite the storm.We are warm, safe and protected in our small quiet neighborhood. I am thankful for our school and the crossing guard who came out this morning to possibly protect the one.And  I am thankful for the outstretched arms of a loving God.“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.