Testimonies
It was on that particular night of rain and dark, that my eyes grew heavy and my stomach growled for relief, that I happened upon a diner. It was the shiny type of stainless steel and red vinyl seats where I met him, and gave my witness.
I took my dinner from the waitress, whose name was Arlene, sat back and gave my grace to the One who put this feeding process into motion eons ago. A man, thirtish or so,stared at me and did not let up. He was a biker, with the full set of tattooed sleeves and a gruff exterior to match. I wanted no trouble from him or anyone else, but I realized a conversation was inevitable.
“Do I know you, friend?” I asked. He was taken aback; he must have expected my silence.
“No, you don't, and you ain't my friend. You're one of those—ain't you?”
“One of those what?”
“One of them Christians, one of them holy rollers.”
I just wanted to eat a warm meal, but my biggest failing—turning the other cheek—took over, and I laid down my fork.
“Yes, sir,” I answered calmly. “I'm a Christian-in-progress. And you?”
“I am what I am, and I sure ain't no bible banger. Heard enough of that mumbo-jumbo when I was young. Just go ahead and eat your dinner, and don't bother me with any of your preaching—I ain't in the mood.”
Now something—or Someone—told me this man was ripe for a witness. I knew I'd have to get into my phsycology bag on this guy; he was obivliously a hardened man.
“My name's Tom—and yours?”
“Just call me sir.”
“Okay. Let me ask you a question. What do you think of Peter?”
“Who—Peter Jennings? He's not a half-bad newsman, for a college boy.”
As much as I hate to admit it...that was funny, and I had to laugh. But, so did he. I was in.
“No, sir, I mean the Apostle Peter. The way I read my Bible, he was pretty good with a knife—you know—kind of like that one with the chrome handle you've got in your right boot. Maybe you should tuck that thing in a little more.”
With a quick move he did just that, and looked away from me. I propped my big feet up on a stool, took a sip of coffee and continued while I was on a roll.
“You know, I've often wondered if I could walk up to a soldier, let's say a Green Beret, pull out my knife and cut his ear off with one swipe. I mean not even think about it, just do it, and stand there ready for more. I never done that kind of violence to anyone before, but I think Peter had some practice. Have you ever used that knife of yours on anyone...sir?”
His silence and lack of eye contact was a definite no. I rose to leave, left Arlene an ample tip, and walked over to the register to pay my tab. She gave me a “boy...you sure told him” wink and a smile, but I wasn't finished.
“I'm going to tell you something whether you want to hear it or not, young man. If Jesus can flip a sinner—and I mean a notorious one—like Peter, then give him the keys to Heaven, think what He can do for you. He did it for me, and now I'm a happy man. Every man's got to find his own way, and I hope you find yours someday. I'll be seeing you around...brother.”
And with that I pulled the hood of my jacket over my head, and walked back to my Peterbilt. I don't know if those words helped him or not; guess I'll never know. One thing I did know at that moment, I was a happy man.
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Well done. Some wisdom there ..!
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