YOU NEVER CAN TELL
I stood there, transfixed, mesmerized by the seemingly endless queue of vehicles in all shapes, sizes, colours and brands. Feeling all alone and with my patience wearing thin, I hugged tightly a Robinson’s eco bag which was also, well, my handbag. I wanted to cross to the other side of the street but the rapid flow of traffic appeared to be infinite and unabated.
How I wished I could look past my manners and shout to the world, - to the motorists in particular:
“Can’t you see this old, BEAUTIFUL ( that was how my grandson described me four years ago ) piece of human being standing by herself for centuries? “
I was sweating profusely as if I were working as an apprentice in a vulcanizing shop. If only I could get under a shade, I thought wildly. SHADE? Suddenly, I realized a huge shadow had blockaded the sun from further hurting my DELICATE, ALAGANG DOVE skin. The sky wasn’t overcast, obviously. Trees were some distance away. So, why and how come this instant relief from the piercing heat?
Reality dawned on me! I WAS NO LONGER ALONE!! Beside me stood a stranger, a giant size of a man with bulging muscles and dark skin, made even darker by the weird tattoos emblazoned in his body inch by inch. He was only wearing a black undershirt paired with black, fitted jeans. To top it all, he had his hair propped up and tied with a black ribbon at the crown of his head. To me, he resembled a black, large size, trash bag.
Fear gripped me. And who wouldn’t fear? Forgive my language. But he was a HIDEOUS MONSTER.
“Lord,“I asked, “what have you sent to me? He isn’t an angel, is he? He doesn’t look like one.”
I prayed as I’ve never prayed before for God’s protection and deliverance. As I was contemplating on ways to escape like calling an ambulance or the fire station, or the air force and the navy combined, the man, yes, the Giant (!), gently touched my elbow and said, “Ma’am, I’ll help you cross to the other side.” With that statement, and with a stop sign of his oversized hand, he led me across to safety. I was so overwhelmed by the unexpected turn of events that I could only mumble, “Thank you so much, gentleman.” He was gone like a house on fire before I could even ask for his name.
“Lord”, I said remorsefully, “forgive me for judging the man by his appearance. You have looked into his heart and found gentleness and kindness there.”
As I walked my way home, I was near in tears as I remembered ISAIAH 46:4, “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he. I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
YES! THIS IS THE GOOD LIFE: that even in OLD AGE, God is still there. WITH YOU... and FOR YOU.