Blind and the Blind

Today at our Gathering Place, I watched tears of joy streaming down a blind man's face. 

Because of childhood epilepsy, he could not stay at his mother's home. His father had died, so the mother was left to bring up a family of four boys and four girls. A pastor and his wife in an Anglican church took in the twelve-year-old and cared for him. He was eighteen when they moved to another parish. He worked for the Post Office and then for a mining firm in his home country. He came to Canada at age 31, got a job as a chocolatier, and produced chocolates until he retired. During those years, he earned enough to bring his mother, brothers and sisters, wife, and four children to Canada. 

Following retirement, he became blind. Only in the last years, after he lost his sight, did the childhood teaching of the Lord take hold in his life. 

The noise of 50 or more people gathered for "Bottomless Coffee" is loud, and I had difficulty getting every word. People bubble over with a table full of fruits, cookies, cupcakes, nuts, and a full course meal. The loving care our volunteer staff gives neighborhood people every Thursday morning and afternoon sets the scene for good conversations. At times, I  wish the room had a volume control switch!

But words don't say it all. My friend explained how, in late life, he welcomed the love of Jesus. He lifted his weakened hands high. Tears of joy wet his cheeks. Simply speaking of the Lord, his blind eyes see glory. It takes your breath away to see a blind man weeping from the joy of glory.

Then I remember how many I know. Those who have eyes but cannot see. 

They have been instructed in the way and have lost their way. 

Lord, thank you for the insight you have given my dear friend, my prayer partner.