Clay in the Hands

Yesterday, I told you about James.  He is a man I had the blessing of visiting with on Monday afternoon.  We actually shared a ride to Levelland and as we did, I got to hear some of his story.  As I listened, there were a couple of things I noticed about him.  He was very perceptive in his outlook.  He understood the human condition better than most people with whom I come in contact.  That makes sense I suppose because of his choice in how he is living his life.  He walks everywhere he goes and he spends time along the way, talking to people.

We talked about his family and the jobs he has had since returning from Vietnam and serving in the Marine Corp.  As we talked, he talked politics and social reform but then I noticed a change in his demeanor and even in his voice.  He removed his cap and he began to talk about his faith.  He wanted me to know that he was not some mis-guided “bum” but rather a man of faith who had fallen on hard times and was doing the best he can to survive.  I was moved by his passion.

I dropped him at the motel, handed him a little money to get a meal later on and I headed home.  But as I drove away, I began to think about my encounter with James.  As I have processed our time together I have come away with two things (so far).

1.  Part of the reason James has such a good grasp on life is that his way of life moves at a much slower pace than mine.  He walks everywhere he goes.  He began this latest journey in Nebraska and has walked for nearly a month to get here.  When one spends that kind of time moving through different parts of the country, there are a lot of things that can be learned.  James had the grasp on reality because he took time to process what he saw and heard along the journey.  I could learn a lot from him in this area.

2.  The other reminder that I gleaned from James is that regardless of what is taken away from me and the lengths that I might be forced to go in order to survive, my faith can never be taken from me.

Just some things James the traveling teacher has taught me.

Be blessed today!