He was a mountain of a man. He had to be over 400 pounds and filled the door to my hospital room. He came to draw blood and was gentle and kind. When he spoke he was obviously not from New England. He was from deep Mississippi and his speech did nothing to hide that. Out of his huge man came the sweetest voice as he said to me, “Mr. Harvey, I’ll try not to hurt you.” He was a character out of a southern gothic novel by William Faulkner. His large dark hands could have crushed one of mine but he was ever so careful with the needle. I never felt it slip in for its drink. On his way out as he closed the door for the night he said softly, “You have a blessed night.” I did. He helped.
It is fascinating how some people seem larger than life. With a few kind words and a caring demeanor they can change our entire day. Jesus was that way. John was certainly aware of that. He wrote in I John 1, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched–this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” What is amazing is John’s experience is not reserved only for him. We too will see with our eyes and we too shall touch the One who speaks worlds into existence. “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Hebrews 1
This is awesome beyond words.
Written by Roger Bothell on June 29, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org