“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” ~ Simone Weil
When people pay close attention to you and me, we receive one of the most beautiful gifts in this world.
I’ve been sick for almost a week now, and every day I’ve been cared for by my wife and daughters. They’ve seen me and served me.
In 2017 we focused on the theme of God’s care (attention) through the help of the famous gospel song – “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. This year we’ve heard stories of how birds have reminded people that they are cared for by their Creator. At our annual dinner Paul brought us a story from a North Korean prison where a pastor was sustained by the dancing and chirping of birds on the windowsill of his cell.God comes to us in unusual ways. That pastor felt God’s loving attention through birds.
In a few weeks we will have the privilege of hosting a retreat for North Korean couples who have escaped oppression and are now leading others to life and peace. Through generous friends we will be able to treat these precious leaders to a relaxing retreat in Hawaii. As we do, we will be banking on God’s care, believing that EMMANUEL will be with us, speak to us and pay close attention again to his sons and daughters in unique ways.
The Christmas story could be understood with the help of Simone Weil’s quote – God paid attention to us and sent Jesus to live among us and show us how good and loving and generous God is. The birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus all reveal the attention of God towards us.
How will God come near to you and me in 2018? How will this rarest and purest form of generosity, this simple gift of attention touch and transform us? We’re excited to see what unfolds in 2018.
Thank you so much for partnering with us into another year. Your attention to this ministry encourages us greatly…
~ Steve Klassen & the MARK Centre team
