I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of Jesus

From Campus Minister, Mike Jeremiah

Dear Friends,

As I’m sitting here, thinking about what it is that I want to say to you, my first thoughts are, “How can we already be in the Season of Advent?” and even more so, “How can we almost be nearing 2024?” The year has been an amazing one with so many awesome moments, but the year has also gone so very fast, almost too fast. We are in the midst of celebrating our 50th Anniversary, and I, my 49th year here at BSM. When I began here in the fall of 1975, I never imagined the powerful impact this school would have on my life . . . the memories, the blessings, the many moments shared in this place that have made such a difference, a difference I could never have experienced anywhere else. As this year’s scripture theme reminds us, God definitely had a plan for me!

From those many moments, there is a special story I would like to share with you, a story that reminds us all of God’s Presence and the presence of those little miracles that surround us.

It was nineteen-ninety-something, and we had just finished our final day of school before Christmas break. The Chapel and my office were downstairs in those days; and as I came upstairs, the usually crowed and noisy hallways with after school activities were quiet and empty, everyone off to celebrate. I stood there for a few minutes, already missing the faculty and staff and kids who were so much a part of my life, my family.

As I walked into my apartment, I heard my phone ringing, or land line as we refer to it today since this was long before the dawn and popularity of the cell phone. I caught the call just in time and heard the voice of an alum. Jimmy was in his senior year at a nearby college and preparing for finals. He had lost his dad to cancer a few months earlier; and from the sound of his voice, I could tell that he was not doing well. We talked for a few minutes, and he asked if I would have the time to get together. We agreed that I would just come to his dorm room since I was very familiar with the campus from my own days there as a student.

Walking across the campus to Jimmy’s dorm brought back so many memories, memories that seemed like another lifetime ago. As Jimmy opened the door, the room was quiet and dark, and I could tell that he had been crying. He gave me a big hug, and we sat there talking for hours. Looking at him now in his senior year in college, I thought back to the little BSM freshman who came to me late one night on retreat to talk about his dad who had just been diagnosed with cancer. Jimmy later joined my support group at school, a healthy experience for him and for the others in the group. Here we were, eight years later, Jimmy sharing what this time and his dad meant to him. The room was dark and warm, so I suggested that we go for a walk around campus, just to get some fresh air and a change of scenery.

It had just started to snow, and there was such a peaceful silence as we walked across the quad. Jimmy continued talking about his concerns for his mom and how his sisters were worried about him. He talked about the girl he had begun dating and said he really thought she was meant for him, she was the one. As we turned a corner, we found ourselves standing in front of a small creche, lit only by the lamp light nearby. Jimmy stopped, motionless, staring at figures that were now being covered with a blanket of snow. We stood there, silent and alone, for the longest time. Finally, Jimmy looked at me, eyes filled with tears, and simply said, “J, I can’t take my eyes off of Jesus!” I put my arm around his shoulder, and we both stood there with tear-filled eyes, silent, but definitely not alone, neither of us able to take our eyes off of Jesus.

I got together with Jimmy quite a few times after that night, and he was doing much better. He joined a grief support group and was doing some family counseling with his mom and sisters. I was able to meet the girl he had begun dating; and yes, she was the one for him. It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the chance to check in with Jimmy, but I pray that he is keeping his eyes on Jesus.

This is just one of the many stories, the many moments that I’ve been so blessed to witness and to be a part of over these years at BSM. I pray that I can share more of these moments with you over the years to come, moments that truly show that here at BSM, it is God’s Spirit that breathes life into the hallways and into our lives. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and in my prayers, forever thankful and blessed to share life at BSM with each of you. For now, I pray that this Season may be a blessed one . . . may Christmas and the New Year of 2024 hold countless blessings. In the midst of life, through all the many seasons to come, I pray that you are never able to take your eyes off of Jesus.

Love and Prayers,
Mike J