Today I had… an experience, something that only happens a few times in an individual’s life. Seemingly random or by chance, this experience forever carves itself into your brain. What was it you may ask? Well, let me tell you a story:
There once was a guy (a.k.a. me) walking down a crowded hallway. Deep in thought as he pushed through the mass of human beings all apparently headed in the opposite direction, the world around him passed by in a blur. Suddenly, as he dodged an awkward looking couple, he felt someone’s eyes on him. Snapping himself back to reality he glanced over to his left to see a beautiful girl staring at him as she walked in his direction. But not only was she looking at him, she was smiling at him. The moment he looked at her their eyes locked, completely numbing every muscle in his body. It was an awkward but incredibly awesome moment. It only last an instant and she had walked by him, leaving him with the haunting voice James Blunt singing “You’re Beautiful” in his head. Soon the call of a nearby friend woke him from his stupor. But something about that strange encounter will stick with him forever.
True story. Ok. I might have over-dramatized it a little, but you get the picture: walking down the Demoss Hallway here at Liberty University, I locked eyes with a pretty girl, that sent me spinning for a minute. Sounds pathetic right? But let me explain. This wasn’t a romantic occurrence. There was no music playing in the background, no dim lighting, no flowers to be found, and no running towards each other in slow motion. It was over in less than 2 seconds flat. The thing that felt so oddly euphoric and at the same time exposing to me was the fact that she looked me in the eyes. There is something incredibly personal about looking into another person’s eyes. A well known proverb says, “The eyes are a window to the soul.” I don’t know if that could be said any better. When a person looks directly into your eyes you feel exposed and vulnerable. It feels as if all of your secrets, everything you don’t want that person to know is visible when they stare into your eyes. Maybe what unnerved me about my encounter with this girl is that she was also smiling. I felt totally exposed but at the same time I felt completely at peace, because she seemed to like what she saw. Now in reality I understand that she most likely didn’t think any of this and I’m sure has no clue that I even exist. But think about a time when you’ve experienced something similar or at least picture yourself in my shoes. It’s somewhat attractive isn’t it? The idea of someone looking you straight in the eyes, seeing all your faults and failures, and smiling at you anyways. It’s also frightening. You’re apprehensive about whether or not they’ll crack a smile or whether lips will tense in a frown of disapproval. Think about it.
Now think about God. Think about how holy God is. He is the mighty God. There is no other. He is perfect, the essence of love, the author of life, and the Savior of the world. That same God looks into your life, into your eyes, and smiles. He sees your mistakes, he sees your screw ups, he knows everything about you, and he still loves you. Not only does he love you, he genuinely likes you. You are his creation, he takes pride in you. This smile that he gives us is not one that condones our shortcomings. He is not alright with sin. It simply says, “I know you inside and out and I still like what I see. I still like you. Let me show you how to live. Let me show you where true and intimate love is found, let me show you how to be completely satisfied. Why? Because I love you. Because I like you.” Let God look in your eyes. Let Him sift through the trash in your life to find the life that he created and the person that he genuinely likes. It’ll change your life. I promise you.
-jeremy
