To behold means to observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one.

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Mark 10:21

God molded Adam with His own hands. He formed his face and put his body together limb by limb. God created Adam in His image. He took the time and put together every detail. If you ever have a chance to take a sculpting class. I would encourage you to and understand how difficult it is to create such a beautiful creature.

When God beholds us, He is looking into Himself. He is us, and we are Him. When beholding Him, we see ourselves, and when we behold others, we see Him. 

Practice the art of beholding with a child, friend, or spouse.  Do not just look, but behold fondly with your eyes. Try studying a face to adore it. A stranger’s face might is best because there is no emotional baggage, a control if you will. Look upon their features, pass the flaws, look THROUGH them and see Christ. Next, look into a mirror and practice the exercise on yourself and see you as Christ would see you. You are put here for a reason, my love. It’s to learn to love. Behold yourself and love YOU with every fiber of your being. The tiny little thread that binds you to the beginning and ties you to humanity is love. It’s the only treasure you can take with you. Cultivate it! Accept your status as a beloved and learn to become a lover like Christ. 

I have practiced this art of beholding. I wonder how my face shall fit into Jesus’s hands. The palm of His hand shall warm my cold cheeks. How beautiful I shall feel when my face is beheld by my Beloved. He shall find me in the dark corners of my being or lost in a crowd. No matter where I am, He shall find me. He shall behold me. I shall rest my weary head in the warmth of His embrace and feel comforted.

Image: Berthe Morisot, The Cradle, 1882