The Gaze of God

She slowly walked into the room. Quietly, eyes straight ahead, she briefly looked around and found an inconspicuous seat. Once seated, she focused on the speaker, although occasionally distracted by a noise, situation -- or her own daydreams. She didn't stand out in the crowd. She wasn't particularly stunning in dress or appearance. She was usually shy, though sometimes her curiosity overcame the lack of confidence. She wasn't known for any special talents, was far from being a leader. Life had been challenging lately and the weariness was evident in her interactions and demeanor. She was thankful for those around her that daily loved and cared for her heart. But there was always that hole; always that place that couldn't quite be filled. The longing for one above others. The contemplation of these things battled within her the desire to push them away, as the minutes ticked by.

Toward the back of the room, seated amidst the crowd, was a man. And though most people were unaware she had even entered the room, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Every time she smiled, he smiled. When she appeared lost in thought and almost as if she were crying inside, he shed a tear. When she observed another person or object in the room, he looked to see what had intrigued her -- but only for a second. He couldn't help it; he couldn't stop watching her. As the minutes ticked by he constantly gazed at her from across the rows of people. She had yet to look his way, much less speak to him, yet he somehow knew her. As if he could read her mind and feel what she felt. With each observation, one desire grew stronger and stronger: he wanted to win her heart. He wanted to pursue, at any cost, the heart he saw in her; to know her like no one else ever could; to love her, to give his all for her. He saw pain; he wanted to ease it. He saw fear; he wanted to calm it. He saw loneliness; he wanted to fill it. He saw tenderness; he wanted to draw it out. He saw love and desire sealed tightly in a cavern in her soul; he wanted to open it wide. He wanted to be her everything -- this oblivious girl sitting just feet away from him.

At the conclusion, when the crowd rose to leave, he stayed seated, still watching. She also remained seated, staring out the window at the brilliant blue sky, smiling. His heart soared. Something pulled her attention from her daydream and she began to watch a couple gather their small children and prepare to exit. The husband tenderly picked up the youngest child and as he walked past his wife, he bent to steal a kiss, then took her hand and they were gone. The silent observer looked back at the still-seated girl and was surprised to see a tear rolling down her cheek as she smiled at the family as they left. A desire to hold and comfort her consumed him.

Within seconds he had quietly walked up behind her. He placed a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she gasped and turned around.....and looked into the most beautiful, gentle and passionate eyes she had ever seen. He reached out his hand to help her stand. As she did, the same smile re-appeared, but this time, to his delight, it reached her eyes. It lit up her whole face -- and his heart. Instead of releasing her hand he covered it with his other one.
"Hello," he said.
"Hi," she responded, unable to pull away from his powerful gaze. The emptiness in her heart was rushing away like a wave on the shore. "Do I know you.....?"
"I want you to," he said.
"What is your name?" she asked.

"Jesus," He answered.