Beyonce Is The Most Beautiful Woman In The World? Give Me A Break!

I don’t want to give a headline too much weight, but rant I must:

So apparently Beyonce has been declared the “most beautiful woman in the world.”

IN THE WORLD!

So, does that mean the world of mostly plastic, highly interbred, narcissistic Hollywood celebrities?

Or are they aware that there are billions of women, from a range of cultures, with varying opinions of beauty in the actual world outside of this puny American subculture?

Did they even look at ONE of those…?

Wouldn’t it be great if Beyonce would use her celebrity status to point that out?

THAT would be beautiful indeed.

– Teresa Klassen

Pseudo-Friends

I was reading Luke 23 today, and while this is certainly not central to the story by any means, verse 12 caught my eye:

And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

I know. It is a strange little verse, but it got me thinking.

Friendship is a pretty happy word. When I say someone is my friend, there are some givens: there is a story of how we met, it is assumed we like each other, and (among other things) we must have something in common. People will often define friendship as one of the things that makes their life rich and fulfilling and I have certainly found that it is; I love my assortment of friends; each one brings something different into my life (and hopefully I contribute to theirs as well). When I look at who I would call friends, it is kind of a hodge-podge of people and I like it that way.

So here we have Herod and Pilate. What brought them together? Here is the story: A corrupt crowd brings forward an innocent man (Jesus) before Pilate; they proceed to badger him and then Herod (whom Pilate refers the case to) into pronouncing a death sentence upon Him. It’s complicated. In any case, it is this dispute that brings the two together. The clincher, the thing that seems to have cemented their friendship was something Herod did. Maybe he was bored, but after trying to squeeze information out of Jesus, he proceeds to try to humiliate Him by dressing Him up foolishly and sending him back to Pilate. Pilate is amused. Perhaps it made him laugh.  It seems this is all it took to spark a friendship between Herod and Pilate.

The whole thing is pretty warped and that is what made me think. Sometimes friendships have “bad” starts, not good starts. Sometimes people rally around things that are evil, and that is what they have in common. Friendships start over another friendship breaking up; people can like one another simply because they both don’t like someone else. Sometimes people find unity around unrighteous causes or destructive habits and because “misery loves company” they become pseudo-friends.

Pilate and Herod became “friends” one day finding each other with their own broken moral compasses. They had some values in common: Power trumped compassion; personal gratification trumped responsibility;  crowed approval trumped conscience; it was a match made in…well, you know. I wonder, what if Pilate had spent more time with his wife who was warning him to not have anything to do with the case against Jesus, rather than Herod who made light of it all? Who was the better friend in this case?

Friendship is tricky. Everyone wants a certain amount of company, yet bad company corrupts whatever good character one might possess. So is it worth it to take whatever we can get? We want friends, so we call people who are hanging out with or hanging on to us “friends” when they are probably anything but that. People who aren’t looking out for us, who aren’t challenging us appropriately, who aren’t loyal, kind, honest, faithful aren’t really friends are they?

“Friend” is a bit of a loose word, I guess; a dog has been called “man’s best friend” which doesn’t say a  whole lot about man, or friendship for that matter.

– Teresa Klassen

When You Have Turned Around Again

If you have someone in your life that your heart aches for; someone struggling, unable to land in a solid place, especially in their relationship with Jesus; then this is a passage that will make sense to you. You can substitute that person’s name for Simon’s in these verses,  spoken (tenderly, as I hear it) by Jesus in Luke 22:31-32:

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

I think these two verses describe the struggle of someone who is walking a line: pulled to the left by all the deceptions of the world; unable to break free from evil’s gravitational pull to rise up for what is noble, right and pure; lovely, excellent and worthy of respect (Philippians 4:7-9). Oh how real that is: wrestling with temptation. You would think the Goodness of God would be enough to attract us; that the contrast would be obvious enough for someone to run from one towards the other, but it is not. Satan has his footholds, his hooks, and he is more than tenacious in his mission to “steal, kill and destroy.”

Jesus saw what was going on with His friend. Satan did not want Simon to live in the light and was determined to push Simon to the left of the line and crush his faith in Jesus. In response, Jesus’ words are so simple: I will pray that your faith will not fail.

Do you ever wonder how to pray for people? I do. Especially lately, I have really been listening to myself pray and sometimes my words don’t even make sense; and sometimes I over-think what is God’s part, what is my part, and then I find myself stumped on what to actually ask for.

I love the simplicity of Jesus’ words in this passage. It is a prayer for people who have had faith and might now only have a smidgen of it left; pray that their faith will not fail. That’s a good prayer.

I especially love the next part. I see Jesus looking directly into Peter’s eyes because it carries a bit of a challenge: “But when you have turned again…” how hopeful is that? How “assuming” is that? Jesus’ words are SO filled with anticipation. We have to have hope for people; we must pray knowing that the light of Christ is so much greater than the darkness. Don’t lose faith for the person you are praying for; can you picture them turning around?

“But when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  I really love this too. There is no sitting around in the kingdom; if we are in Christ, we are living out the mission He calls us to. Get busy. In the parable of the “talents” three types of people are described (some who have been entrusted with much, some who are working with less) and the point is, everyone is engaged in the work, whether it appears to be a great big assignment or a small one. So when you turn around, and you will, don’t sit around.

Jesus knows Simon (Peter) is about to royally mess up. Peter is going to have a massive amount of regret for something super-dumb he is about to do and Jesus says these beautiful words: you are about to go through a really trying time and you won’t even know who you are. Remember who you are in me. When you find your feet again, use what you have learned and strengthen people around you.

Win. Win.

I have people I am praying for where these words of Jesus’ are completely fitting. They are walking a line right now, not really being who they were called to be. I am praying that this will be a sifting experience and through it all, they will not lose their faith. And when they turn…yes, they will turn…they will strengthen people around them; their footing will be sure; they will be a force to be reckoned with.

May it be so. Amen.

– Teresa Klassen

Getting Your Class 4 (Unrestricted) Commercial Driver’s License in British Columbia?

This would fall into the “how to” category of my blog. So if you are looking for something inspiring…this isn’t the post

Recently I found myself needing to upgrade my driver’s license to a (British Columbia) Class 4 Unrestricted Commercial License (for 15 passenger vans, small school buses, ambulances) and went through the 3 stage process:

• Knowledge test
• Pre-Trip
• Road Test.

I had heard that a lot of people fail the test and I really needed my license for work, so I couldn’t afford to fail. At each stage, I felt like a nervous 16 year old once again; I wanted to get it over with, but I also wanted to know that I could be a safe driver. Thanks to the guidance of a few good people (thank youuuu!), and a nice Examiner, I passed first try; whew!

Rather than just move on, I thought I would take the time to write down what I did and hopefully it will help someone else. I am sure there are a lot of men/women who are more “up” on vehicle terminology, but I am not, so consider this the “Class 4 For Dummies.” Keep in mind, this doesn’t come with any guarantees; just because I didn’t have to parallel park, for example, doesn’t mean you won’t have to (I did learn how to do this, by the way). I am just sharing my own experience with it.

KNOWLEDGE TEST

First, a note about the knowledge test: besides reading the manual, I also used the site http://www.yourlibrary.ca/driving/ to help test myself. This online test has questions that don’t apply to the Class 4 unrestricted mixed in, but generally I found it helpful. Be warned: The actual test at ICBC doesn’t just cover the obvious things about driving/parking/turning, so if you are like me and “not a natural” when it comes to questions about vehicles and rules of the road, you are going to want to study. I was focused on how to drive a 15 passenger van with children onboard, so there were some questions that surprised me (like how often you have to submit your log to your carrier, how to increase your fuel efficiency, shifting gears).

PRE TRIP

On to the pre-trip, which is the trickiest part. I will just walk through what I did and I will include the pieces I missed so that you won’t:

I parked the vehicle in the “truck inspection” area, about a foot away from the curb to give room for the pre-trip. I made sure my PARKING BRAKE was on. I UNLOCKED all the van doors. I kept the keys in my pocket and not in the van.

I made sure I had PAPER TOWEL ready to use (for checking the fluids) and I also brought a thin YOGA MAT (so I didn’t have to lie on the dirty pavement).

The Examiner arrived and told me that I had approximately 20 minutes to complete my pre-trip and that following the pre-trip I would have a form to fill out and then continue with my road test.

I said, “I am going to begin with the UPPER PART of the vehicle.” As you do your pretrip you are going to want to TOUCH as many parts of the vehicle as you can, and TALK about everything you are observing. Use words like “it looks normal” or “in good condition” and words like that which describe what you are seeing.

I began at the front of my van and checked my driver-side MIRROR for any damage. I opened and shut the DRIVER’S DOOR. I commented on the WINDOWS, that the windows were in good condition with no visible cracks. I commented that there did not appear to be any BODY DAMAGE anywhere. I opened the fuel door and checked the FUEL CAP to make sure it was on properly and tightly.

Rounding the corner to the back of the van I noted that the LENS COVERS on the back of the van brake lights were in good condition. I noted that the LICENSE PLATE could be clearly seen and that my INSURANCE STICKER was up-to-date. Using my foot I noted that the BACK BUMPER was firm. I opened the back doors to show that they could be opened properly. I pointed out the EXTRA SUPPLIES OF FLUIDS (oil, washer fluid, etc) that I had stocked. I pointed out that I had a SAFETY KIT with my reflective triangles and flares. I pointed out that I had a FIRST AID KIT in the back. I pointed out that I had the TOOLS to release the spare tire, check lug nuts, jack etc. in the back.

Continuing around the passenger side of the vehicle I was again looking for BODY DAMAGE, and did not see any. Using my foot I tapped the exhaust pipe and commented that it was firm and not hanging. I opened and closed the SLIDING DOOR to the van to show that it could open easily. I noted that all the WINDOWS were in good condition. I opened and closed the PASSENGER DOOR. I checked the PASSENGER MIRROR for any damage and to make sure it was clean. I checked the INSPECTION STICKER on the front windshield to show that it was current and noted when our next inspection was due.  I checked the PASSENGER SIDE windshield wiper to make sure it was in good condition.

As I moved around the front of the van I noted that the HEADLIGHTS were in good condition, the lenses were not cracked. I noted that the front LICENSE PLATE was clean. Noted that everything looked NORMAL on the front of the van. I checked my other WINDSHIELD WIPER.

Then I opened the driver door and removed my yoga mat and I said, “I am now going to check the UNDERSIDE of my vehicle as well as my TIRES.”

I began at the driver’s side tire and commented on the tread that there was PLENTY OF TREAD and no UNUSUAL WEAR. I commented that there were NO VISIBLE CRACKS in the tire and the tire appeared to be INFLATED ADEQUATELY (I used my hand to press into the tire as best as I could). Our tires have a plastic hub cap and plastic bolt covers that cover the LUG NUTS. I commented that our tires are TORQUED by a LICENSED MECHANIC but I was looking to see if any of the plastic lug-nut covers were lifting and all appeared to be normal. If you didn’t have covers you would quickly check each lug nut with your hand to check for tightness.

Then I lay down on my stomach with my head under the van slightly and I commented that I was looking at the van’s SPRINGS which appeared to look normal. I was looking at my BRAKE LINES to make sure there were no leaks and to make sure that they appeared to be on tight. I was looking at the FRAME of the vehicle for anything concerning and everything looked good. I was looking at our EXHAUST SYSTEM to make sure there was nothing hanging down low from the vehicle and all looked fine. I was looking for any detached WIRES or anything else that might be hanging down, and all looked fine.

I then moved to the back tire and did the same inspection on the back tire. Then, on my stomach I touched the U-BOLTS to make sure they were tight. I looked at the AXLES and commented that all looked normal. I commented once more on the BRAKE LINES (do this for each wheel). I also commented on the LEAF SPRINGS at the back of the vehicle which were also fine.

I moved around the back and to the other side and repeated what I did on the driver’s side (checking tires, checking the underside of the vehicle).

Moving around the front I also looked under the vehicle and commented on what I could see of the STEERING MECHANISM, commenting that all looked normal.

I said, “Now I am going to check under the hood of the vehicle.”

I put my yoga mat away inside the vehicle and grabbed the paper towel.  I reached in and pulled the hood release handle to pop the hood. I opened the hood and propped it up with the bar.

I began at the right hand side of the engine compartment and opened up the BRAKE FLUID. I commented that it was filled properly and that the fluid looked clear not cloudy and it smelled fine (it did not have a burned smell). I checked the POWER STEERING fluid, commented that it was clear and reddish which was how it should look. I looked at the WINDSHIELD WASHER fluid and noted that it was full (I made sure all fluids were topped up before my pre-trip).

I said, “Because I am short, I am going to climb up on the bumper so I can see everything clearly” (which is what I did). I touched everything I could touch and as I did I said, “I am looking for anything loose or cracked or abnormal. I am looking down as far as I can to see as much of the steering mechanism as I can, again looking for abnormalities. I am looking for tight connections on all wires and hoses.” I touched the main BELT and said that I was looking for unusual wear, nicks and gouges or fraying. All looked well.

Still touching everything I commented on the three other fluids that would need to be checked: the ENGINE OIL (“I will check that in a moment”) and the TRANSMISSION FLUID (“I will check that when the van is running” – the Examiner said that I would not need to check that today) and the ENGINE COOLANT. I noted that the coolant would be yellow or green and should be at least an inch deep in the container.

On the left side I checked the BATTERY LEADS to make sure that everything was tight, attached properly.

Getting down from the bumper I pulled out the OIL DIPSTICK, wiped it using the paper towel and then put it back in, pulled it out again and checked the level.

I then CLOSED THE HOOD of the van.

Then I said, “I am now going to check all of my lights.”

I took my keys and put them in the ignition to the “on” position (not starting the vehicle, just power on), noting that when I did, all the WARNING LIGHTS came on on the dash.

First I checked my INTERIOR LIGHTS to make sure they were working, and turned them off again.

I TURNED ON MY HEADLIGHTS AND MY LEFT BLINKER. I took the brush/scraper we have in the van and I propped it on the brake pedal on the one end and against the steering wheel on the other. I commented that if I was driving with a partner they could help me check my lights, including my high-beams, and my “backing up” lights. I noted that another way I could check my high-beams if I was alone would be to shine them against a wall to ensure they are working.

I walked around the back of the vehicle and noted that my BRAKE LIGHTS were working, my LEFT BLINKER was working, and the LITTLE LIGHT OVER THE LICENSE PLATE was working.  I continued around the van to the front and noted that my HEADLIGHTS were working as well as my left blinker light.

I then REMOVED THE BRUSH/SCRAPER, turned off my HEADLIGHTS, and turned on my RIGHT BLINKER. I walked to the back and noted that it was working. I kept walking to the front and noted it was working.

I then turned on my HAZARD LIGHTS and circled the van (around the back and then to the front) and noted they were working.

I removed the keys and put them in my pocket and said, “I am now going to check the inside of the vehicle.” I walked to the back and then to the passenger side and stepped inside the vehicle through the big sliding door.

I said the first thing I would do is check all the SEATBELTS to make sure they were all working. I started with the front bench and asked, “Would you like me to check them all during this test?” (The Examiner did not have me check them all). I checked all the WINDOWS to make sure they would open and close. I checked the SEATS to make sure they were all “clicked in” properly.

One thing I missed that you should do is to close the sliding door and make sure you can open the BACK DOORS OF THE VAN as well as the SIDE DOOR OF THE VAN to make sure it can open from the inside.

Then I closed the side door and moved to the passenger door. I made sure I could LOWER THAT WINDOW (ours has a hand crank).

I then invited the examiner to join me in the vehicle. I checked my DRIVER’S WINDOW to make sure it would lower and raise. I asked the Examiner to check the passenger door to make sure it opens from the inside.

I noted that I had a FIRE EXTINGUISHER in the vehicle by the passenger seat (ours did not have a tag indicating its INSPECTION DATE so I said that would need to be noted on the report). I noted that I had my proper INSURANCE PAPERS in the vehicle as well as my PRE-TRIP LOG BOOK.

I put my SEATBELT on and STARTED THE VEHICLE. I said, “I AM LISTENING FOR ANYTHING ABNORMAL when I start the vehicle. It sounds fine.” * Put your seatbelt on first.

I checked to make sure my DEFROST FAN and HEATER worked. I pointed out all the gauges on my dash commenting that I had ADEQUATE FUEL, that my OIL PRESSURE looked normal, that the WATER TEMPERATURE looked normal. That my BATTERY had a normal charge.

I forgot this, but you need to also check your WINDSHIELD WIPERS and WASHER FLUID that it works.

I checked my MIRRORS and noted that they were all in the correct position for driving.

I CHECKED MY HORN (don’t forget this!!)

I said, “When we begin to drive I will test my brakes and my steering wheel.”

The Examiner had me shut off the vehicle and had me fill out the form (make sure you have A PEN). Make sure you know your license plate and the make of the vehicle. Make sure you know your own driver’s license number. I noted on the form that all was fine but also noted the missing date on the fire extinguisher. Read the form carefully – on the form I had, if all was normal you only had to check off the top box. If there was a concern you would check off whatever boxes applied below that section.

ROAD TEST

The Examiner told me we would be taking a 20 minute road test including a hill park (make sure you turn your tires the correct way) and would demonstrate backing up. So there were lots of turns – make sure you BRAKE SMOOTHLY and TURN SMOOTHLY so that nothing in the van slides. They want to know that you can make it a comfortable ride for your passengers. Don’t forget ALL YOUR SHOULDER CHECKS. Don’t forget SCHOOL ZONES!

Before you start your vehicle make sure you and your passengers are wearing their seatbelts. If you are working with children, mention that you or your partner will be checking each seatbelt to make sure they are fastened properly. When you are ready to pull out PUT YOUR BLINKER ON in the direction you will be turning. Ensure that your passenger is wearing their SEATBELT.

Say, “I am just going to check to make sure my PARKING BRAKE holds well.” Leave the parking brake on and put your vehicle in gear and just lightly put some pressure on the gas pedal to demonstrate that the brake will hold. Release the parking brake and say, “I am also going to test my regular brakes.”

Drive forward slightly, test the brakes.

As you pull out say, “I am being mindful of how the STEERING as I am beginning to drive, to make sure it feels normal, and it does.”

For the backing up exercise, we came back to the ICBC lot and the Examiner said that I was to demonstrate backing up in a straight line.  I said, “Normally I will have someone driving with me and so they can help guide me back, but since I don’t have that, I will be HONKING MY HORN EVERY VEHICLE LENGTH when I am ready to back up. Before I back up, I am going to WALK AROUND MY VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE NO ONE IS BEHIND MY VEHICLE.”

Turn OFF your vehicle, WALK BEHIND YOUR VEHICLE to make sure it is clear.

• Go back into your vehicle.
• Put your seatbelt on.
• Start the vehicle.
• Honk.
• Back up in a straight line.
• Honk every vehicle length.

When the examiner tells you to stop, stop and turn off the vehicle.

Hopefully you will hear those wonderful words, “You did an excellent job, you pass!”

– Teresa Klassen

P.S. Once you take the test, post something back here if you have helpful things to add to this article.

Why Molly Shakes

It’s so strange, this thing about our dog Molly.

She is a beautiful yellow Lab; small for her breed and very smart.  She will lie at our feet for hours on end and make no demands of us; but mention the word “walk” and she will jump like a jack-rabbit as high as your head. And it is surprising how brave this little docile dog can be. She will chase a bear up the hill if it gets too close. She will endure the agony of a rattlesnake bite just to get out in the woods again.  She will square off against a snarling Doberman if it gets close to her people.

And given the go-ahead, her energy knows no end! She will chase a ball until she is exhausted yet never know when to stop. She will retrieve whatever you throw into the water time and time again, farther and farther into the waves. If you even think about going outdoors with her along, she will read your mind and begin wagging her tail ferociously.

If anyone comes to our door and knocks or rings the bell she will bark like a maniac one minute and be their best friend the next.

She looks so well adjusted, but it only takes one little, almost imperceptible thing and Molly will shake from nose to tail, uncontrollably; every time it happens I think she is just going to drop dead from a heart-attack.

What scares the fur off her? A little noise.

Whenever I see her shaking, I have to think, “Was there a noise?” because it is usually so subtle.  I try to figure out the source and I realize, “Oh, it was on TV” or “Oh, somewhere downstairs” or “Oh, across the street.” It is a certain noise pitch that could last for a millisecond yet she practically has a seizure over it.

Today she had an episode and I just put my hand on her head, consoled her, and realized, looking into her fear-filled brown eyes, that she and I have more in common than I like to admit.

There is a “noise” that works on me too and it might be almost imperceptible to others, but it just drains all the courage out of me, all the passion, all the creativity, all the joy for a little while. It ‘s never something I see coming because it happens in random situations, but just like Molly it makes me all shaky and wimpy and ridiculous. Where moments before I felt like I could race up a mountain, in those shaky moments I just want to take a nap; a long nap.

I was reading Mark 8 today and the Pharisees are at it again, making noise. In this case, they come at Jesus with their noisy misguided, cynicism.

Jesus’ first reaction? Verse 12: “He sighed deeply in his spirit.” Isn’t that a picture? What meaning in those six words! To actually affect Jesus so, enough for Mark to write it down! It was a drain on Jesus to hear those words that day, in that way. Jesus was on mission, with the short time He had, to be Good News to the world and then He has a run-in with these self-serving, arrogant, posturing leaders trying to trip Him up at every corner. What did they want? Were they there for the honest-before-God good of the people? Were they just looking for clarity before signing up to carry the cross He later mentions? No. They were first class connivers wearing the cloak of religion. There was nothing righteous about it; it was a front. It made Jesus sigh.

(As an aside, I really don’t want to be one who makes Jesus sigh like that).

Here is where the noise would have gotten to me. I know this, because time and time again it does. I can be eye-ball to eye-ball with something noisy and a good response catches in my throat.  Noise can be so disorienting, it makes me wordy and apologetic and unnerved. Noise makes me “wish I had” instead of bitten my nails over why I didn’t.

But Jesus? He responds; right then and there. It isn’t a “Captain America” response (chest out, deep voice, “ta-da” kind of statement); at least that isn’t how it sounds to me. When I read it I think it is said in a pretty normal tone of voice, with everything left-over being said in His eyes.

You don’t have to be loud when you’re right.

Jesus says it, simply; straight-forward; and then He moves on. He leaves those Pharisees where they were and crosses over the lake to where His friends are and warns them about the noise; warns them about the ones who are just in it for themselves. Be wary: if it sounds like a Pharisee, and acts like a Pharisee, and looks like a Pharisee…it’s a Pharisee.

Ah, teach me your ways Jesus.

I am looking at Molly as I write this. She is napping. I am wondering why that certain noise trips her up every time. She must think she is no match for the noise:

• even though she has legs to run, and has run for miles and miles without anything catching her (including me);
• even though she has fantastically sharp canine’s and can strip the bark off trees (or vinyl off hot-tub covers);
• even though she is an excellent judge of character and can whiff out trouble (and chipmunks).

Even though; she thinks a little noise can get her.

Is that what I think? That I am no match for it?

Sometimes I do.

Thanks for listening, Molly. Thanks for the nuzzle, and the lick on the hand. What do you think…walk?

– Teresa Klassen

What Do You Think Today Will Look Like?

What do I wake up expecting? A trouble-free, worry-free day? A day where the wrinkles are smoothed out? A day where everyone just does what they are supposed to do so that I don’t have to deal with conflict or tension, trouble and trials?

Honestly — yes (haha). Well, that would be nice, anyway.

Reading a great book and this is what I read, incredibly appropriate for today:

“Disciples expect tension! They wake up each day expecting that the Father will lead and guide their day; they have given ownership of all they have back to God, for him to direct. They trust God for supernatural provision; they let faith in God win out over safety, common sense, or worldly wisdom; moreover, their relationship with God is deeply integrated with other believers, and they have many relationships with people in the non-Christian culture. They view Scripture as God’s message to a missional people instead of a series of self-help slogans; they pray out of desperation for the circumstances they find themselves in as they walk in the world instead of simply doing things in isolation…” (94, “And” by Hugh Halter)

As I reflect on this, I am reminded again that it is in the “tension” where I see God work in unique ways. This is where I move from simply loving God, to needing God, relying on Him for my daily bread, to protect me from evil, to help me to live in forgiveness, to be the light directing my path.

This is the place where trust is built; where I find that God IS faithful, that God IS my provider and sustainer and that nothing can separate me from His love.

If I expect tension, I won’t be so surprised by it, I suppose. I will let go of my “only in the movies” un-realities, and let God walk with me in the real world…

– Teresa Klassen

What’s That Look For?

When people look at you, looking at them, what do they see?

I have always loved Mark 6:34 in the Bible where it says that Jesus looked out over the crowd of people and had compassion on them. This speaks to me on two levels:

Personally, to know Jesus would look at me this way is a pretty beautiful thing. I often think about Jesus looking at me but usually I picture a look that

urges me along

warns me

is surprised at me

I can easily picture a flicker of disappointment registering in his eyes as He looks at me…

But recorded in Mark, here is the look of compassion. Mark, who is always in a hurry (immediately this, and immediately that) saw something in Jesus and it impacted him enough to write it down. That must have been some look.

I love the look of compassion; to be looked at that way is so comforting. It is a look that says I matter; I will be helped; I am not unnoticed. It is one of the most loving ways a person can be looked at.

Knowing that Jesus looks at me this way, it makes me think about how I look at others. As Jesus looked with compassion — do I?

I can look without seeing anything.

I can look away.

I can stare.

This is really all about what is in my heart and soul, because if the eyes are the window to it, is there enough compassion in there to notice? Is anyone running for a pencil (or Facebook in 2012, I suppose) to write about how I looked at them with remarkable compassion?

I look all the time without getting personally involved with what I am seeing. And to think, there are eyes looking back at me that might not see any compassion at all. This is all at once convicting and motivating because it is only a slight change of heart that will move me.

– Teresa Klassen