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On the Bench at Five
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20
Every afternoon at five sharp, he sat on the same park bench.
He wasn’t feeding ducks. He wasn’t waiting for anyone. He simply sat, as if time had forgotten him. Some people greeted him politely, not sure what to make of him. He always smiled back with bright eyes, warm and friendly.
Johnnie had noticed him too.
Every day, when he crossed the park on his way home from school. The man didn’t look dangerous, just a bit strange. His lips moved silently, as if talking to someone.
One day, curiosity got the better of Johnnie.
“Excuse me, sir,” he said.
The old man looked up, his eyes shining. A strange stare, but not in a bad way. Instead, warm and inviting as if he were seeing a world Johnnie could not see.
“Yes, son, what can I do for you?”
“What are you doing?” Johnnie asked. “You’re always here at five, talking to yourself, but no one seems to be listening.”
A gentle smile spread across the old man’s face.
“He’s listening,” he said simply.
“Who?” Johnnie asked bewildered, glancing around as if someone might be hiding nearby.
“My friend,” the old man explained. “You can’t see him, but he’s there. He knew me before you were even born… and he talks to me in my heart. I meet him here every day at five. He wants to be your friend too.”
Johnnie blinked. Yes, the man was a little crazy after all, not dangerous, just odd. The boy nodded, pressed his lips together and mumbled, “I must go home now. Bye.”
“Bye to you too,” the old man said, offering another warm smile.
The next day was a beautiful spring day, but at five, the bench was deserted.
The old man wasn’t there.
Johnnie looked around, but saw no one. The park felt strangely empty. The man, odd as he was, should have been here but he wasn’t.
Johnnie sat down in the very spot where the man had been. A gentle breeze brushed his cheek and something stirred inside him; quiet, warm, alive. No voice spoke and yet he knew, someone was there.
“Hello, Johnnie,” the voice seemed to say. “I am your friend too, and I will be with you always.”
Dear Jesus,
Please teach me the joy of resting in You, show me the wonder of speaking with You always. Thank You for never leaving my side. Amen.
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