The Witness

I shuffled out of the train among the crowd squeeze and was glad to get myself a space in the lift from the train platform down to the ground gantry level. As I pressed the close button, I heard an audibly loud “Thank you” from the next lady besides me. As they said expressing gratitude for a gesture we did, helps to elevate anyone's mood. Indeed it elevated my mood momentarily after a long, fragile week.

I turned wanting to acknowledge her greetings and find myself suddenly couldn’t muffle any word from my throat.

Holding a walking stick, short hair, lovely smile, I least expected that she is blind.

Next to her is a lady holding onto her elbow lightly. I knew from observation that the lady was a passer-by who has kindly offered her assistance. I trod behind them still beating myself up over my missed acknowledgement to her when I saw the good samitarian checking with her again whether the direction that she needed was the way they are heading. The blind lady nodded in reply and followed the kind lady obediently in steps.

Isn’t this God want us to do, to put all our trust and faith wholeheartedly and mindfully in him and walk in obedience. How many times have I went through tug-of-wars with him over my overstuffed bundle of doubts, problems and worries when the fact is always shining bright like the noon day sun, that he can carry the bundle for me. He can make the journey lighter.

So seldom do we notice people with disabilities along the streets when we drowned ourselves with concerns of our own. So her presence did strike a deep impression yet so subtle it can go unnoticed if one does not give a glance.

There are times when I thought I should witness for God but I think she has done that instead, in her own seemingly unworthy presence yet mightily demonstrate the inner strength and trust of fallen human beings. In this world of this "invisible dying" where we are struggling to balance our life, battling adversity and wondering where life will take us to, this scene is a wake-up call that we should open our heart and learn to live and trust right now in the present moment. Did we do it? Are we even aware of the presence moment?

When I walked home, I suddenly realised she must be thanking the lady next to her in the first place - not me. What would happen if I did reply "You are welcome.." for pressing that 'close' button.

I imagine the entire lift load of people staring at me as I blush tomato red on the spot. That would have been embarrassing, won't it?

Deuterononmy 1:32
In spite of this, you did not trust in the LORD your God