He is Near

How do you encounter Christ?

“If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, there you are” - Psalm 139:8
            For the majority of my whole life, my morning routine has consisted of these things: waking up, sitting in bed for a few minutes, organizing my room, brushing my teeth, eating breakfast, showering, dressing up for the day, and heading out somewhere. Something that is noticeably missing is prayer. Because of the lack of time I had in getting ready for the day, I did not include prayer in my morning routine. Not starting my day with God made me not have gratitude, thankfulness, and grace.

            Growing up, I was shy and introverted. In social settings, I would remain quiet until it was my turn to speak, or I was interested in a topic that was discussed. When I got home, I would talk to my family about my day and many more things. A place in my home that I feel 100% conformable in is the shower. In there, I would say anything that is on my mind whether it could be related to grades, friends, events, family, and more. But soon the shower turned into a place where I would pray and encounter Jesus.

            During my first year of high school, I started to incorporate prayer into my morning routine. I was unsure where to pray. (I decided between praying next to my bed or praying in the shower). I chose the shower because in the shower I was attentive and it was my safe spot of solitude. For half of the time, I would pray and after prayer, I would just socialize with Jesus about life. I felt His presence by hearing His voice and speaking to me. God would give His advice about a topic I talk about and remind me of ongoing life events. When I encounter Him, I am filled with joy and at ease. He would give me the gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

Giving God at least 15 minutes of my day every single morning dramatically changed my relationship with Him. I began to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, listen to Christian music, and meet other Catholics. All these things draw me closer to God and eternal life. Although I don’t have the solitude of being in the shower alone that I once had at home, I still make an effort to communicate with him whenever I am alone.

            What I learned from encountering Christ is He is omnipresent. He is always there and available to listen to you. Christ is ready to respond to you and say anything related to your prayer intentions and guide you through it. For me personally, I encountered Christ through hobbies I enjoy and places I like to be in. Also, I ask the Lord to be involved with my activities. Doing these two things is how I experience Christ through my daily life.

            For anyone who is seeking to encounter Christ, it will happen when you least expect it. He could appear in your dreams, whisper a message to you, tell you something while doing an activity you are passionate about, and more. Be patient and always trust in His good works for His mercy endures forever.

My name is Nneoma Nosike. I am a first-year from Fredericksburg, Virginia. I love reading and spending time in nature.