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Yesterday, I headed out to the nearest Starbucks, grabbed a tall drip with plenty of room, and sat down in a comfy corner to study the book of Joel and write a little bit. It was a much needed time to focus on God. As I was studying though, something in my periphery caught my eye - a caricature. An artist called Illy sat there to my left with a stack of blank paper and a fine-tip marker and slipped me a finished portrait he quickly created while I was unaware. It’s a great drawing. I especially like the Detroit skyline in the background.

Once I received my drawing, I noticed almost everyone else in the shop had their own portrait thanks to Illy. He continued working through the stack of paper as though each sheet was meant for someone in particular and he didn’t want them to miss out. Most people were amused with the drawings. Some, a little embarrassed, but gracious to let Illy practice his talent. Other patrons were not very impressed or pleased he would depict them on paper without warning. One departing customer shucked Illy’s extension to take their unfinished portrait saying, “That’s not me!”

There’s something provocative about seeing your own image…
through objective eyes.

When you don’t know you’re being drawn, you don’t have the chance to strike a pose and the artist has nothing to go on except what is clearly seen. To be honest, I didn’t like Illy’s portrait of myself when I first looked at it. I was caught off guard and thought, “Is that really what I look like?” With nothing more than smooth paper, a black marker, and many inconspicuous glances my way, this artist showed me how I still have my father’s eyes, my mother’s nose, and more often then not, a look on my face that reminds me of them both. This is me.

As I continue to look, I have to ask myself: Do I see Christ? Are my eyes looking with compassion? Is that exhaustion I see or is my strength being renewed? Would I approach this person in the picture if I had never met them before? Are there words of hope waiting on those lips? I must remember, many will never see Christ unless they see Him in me. This portrait is a gift revealing the truth and the reality of who I am.

And I’ll tell you what I do see… I see love.

1 Cor 13:12 | Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.