Today is Epiphany. It means the manifestations of God. It was the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the magi. A revelation! A deep awareness of something. Do we not want to experience the manifestation of God daily? Each day should be an epiphany as we have eyes to see that there is a grace of God everywhere.
Yesterday, there was a pocket of clear sky and I grabbed Rosey and went for a walk. I decided to go towards the village as the trail was too mucky, and I was too lazy to give Rosey a bath afterwards. So as I meandered through the street I noticed an elderly man struggling to walk. To step down from the sidewalk to the street looked like a herculian effort on his part. My heart felt for him as I wondered what he was feeling at the moment. I walked past him...but then my heart said, "go back and help him." So I turned around and approached him with my arm outstretched saying, "Do you need an arm?" He mumbled that he didn't want to hold me up," but I insisted saying, "I'm simply out for a walk with my dog." He grabbed my arm ever so tightly as we nearly crawled forward. He was lost. He was 91 years old and forgot where he parked his car. He was a dear. His name was John Andrew. He mentioned that I wasn't the only person who had helped him that day and that kind people lived here in Fort Langley. I readily agreed as we strolled along. He had to stop every five to seven steps to catch his breathe and as we inched our way forward he shared a bit. He had gone to the clinic to give blood. His wife had cancer. But her tumors were shrinking and he was giddy with hope for her. We paused again as he grabbed the light post to steady himself. As we scanned the street for his car, he continued, "I am the last remaining person alive that was on the first commision of Langley," he said with pride in his voice. "Wow, that's great," I said. Then under his breathe he added, "All the others are dead now." He was handsome at 91, and I am pretty sure he would have been terribly handsome in years past. He kept talking almost in a wishful and childlike manner, "who would have thought..." and then in a fatherly tone he commanded, "You stay healthy." I would have liked to know John Andrew in his prime. In hindsight, I wish I had asked him more questions, but at the time, I felt I just needed to listen. After locating his car, a jag, no less, he almost aplogized for his vehicle. I unlocked the car and helped him in. As he sat down he looked me square in the eyes and said, "I'll probably never see you again." in which I replied, "Well, it was good to meet you John Andrew", meaning it with all my heart.
Epiphany...thank you Lord for you gentle proding for me to turn around to be the hands of Jesus to a dear old soul. Those minutes were delightful. For a short moment I saw a man who loved his wife for more years than I have been alive. "A deep awareness of something,"- it only takes a small gesture to be kind to another. Perhaps it has he helping me versus me helping him. He reminded me to slow down. In a blink of an eye, that very well could be me walking down the streets of Fort Langley, confused, not knowing where I am going. Dear Jesus, may I see others as you do...may I never refuse to lend a hand, to be a listening ear, to guide another to where they need to go.
Thank you that you are my Shepherd, always desiring to lead us when we get lost, to point us to You when we are wandering. May we grab your hand that is ever outstretched towards us. Thank you dear, dear Saviour for manifesting yourself those many years ago...may I contintue to search for you, and see your grace in the big and small things of life.
I am grateful,
Sue
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