“Isn’t he just wonderful, boys and girls?” The portly Brother Addison exuded joy in his love for God. Warmly commanding by nature, the established businessman in our town served as
“Isn’t he just wonderful, boys and girls?”
The portly Brother Addison exuded joy in his love for God.
Warmly commanding by nature, the established businessman in our town served as a lay minister in a spiritual renewal movement among fellow professionals. He delighted in aiding seekers toward a vital relationship with his Lord. We children – seated in the Vacation Bible School assembly that morning – liked and trusted Brother Addison.
“How many of you children would like to have more of him – more of Jesus in your life?”
Hands went up. Who wouldn’t, after all, hope for more of the good shepherd’s presence?
We were ten-to-twelve year-olds, launching our third day at VBS. The thought raised expectancy inside us. “What would having more of Jesus be like?”
Addison acknowledged our raised hands. “That’s wonderful”, he beamed, his smile large and warm.
He summoned us to a pair of benches near the front, directing the girls to kneel at one, the boys at the other. Brother Addison passively jingled coins in a pocket, letting us settle in.
“Now boys and girls, we are here at the altar because we simply want more of Jesus. . . We open the way by speaking to him, speaking our love to Jesus.” He paused, then went on.
“Begin now thinking of our Lord, what he is like, how good he is to us, how caring, what he brings to our lives.”
Each of us – like young birds with beaks upturned and open – drew near with our child minds and hearts.
“Start thanking him now, children. Speak out loud your thanks and your love to him.
“He is meeting us. Jesus is specially with us now. Bringing more. More.”
We gave our voices further. “Yes, let him speak to you in your heart. Let him love you. He’s here for you.”
We yielded up our souls. Each of us speaking softly, sincerely. To Jesus.
And he met us.
©2019 Jerry Lout
Writer-Speaker Jerry Lout schooled at Okmulgee’s Wilson Elementary, Preston High and O.S.U. Okmulgee. Jerry authored “Living With A Limp”, from which this piece is edited ( Amazon.com ). Additional narratives are posted on his blog at www.jerrylout.com. He may be reached at jerrylout@gmail.com
