In his book Letters to a Young Doctor, Dr. Richard Selzer tells of spending his Wednesday afternoons in the local library for a time of refreshing.
While there, he noticed a number of regulars, mostly elderly people. Dr. Selzer knew them only by their clothes. He named them accordingly: Old Stovepipe, Mrs. Fringes, Galoshes, and Neckerchief.
One day he held the door open for Neckerchief, a stiff-walking man in his eighties. Shuffling by, Neckerchief pointed down to his knees and said, “The hinges are rusty.” A wonderful friendship began.
One particular Wednesday, Dr. Selzer saw pain written all over Neckerchief’s face. He asked him, “Is it the hinges?”
“Nope,” Neckerchief replied. “It’s the toes.” He explained that his toenails had gotten too long because he couldn’t reach to cut them.
Dr. Selzer left immediately to get his heavy-duty medical clippers.
When he got back, he took Neckerchief to the men’s room. He stooped down and took off Neckerchief’s shoes and socks. He took each toe and trimmed the nail, surprisingly thick and long. It took an hour to do each foot!
Dr. Selzer did Old Stovepipe’s toes the next week, Mrs. Fringes’ the next. He never again went to the library without those nail clippers.
What a wonderful picture of the kind of caring attention Jesus gives, which He demonstrated by washing feet!
Think of one simple, practical thing you can do for someone else. There are so many things you and I can do to show the love of Jesus to another. Do that one thing today.
Many people share faith in action but not in words. Some share with words but show little concern by their actions. Look for ways to do both.
As you demonstrate your faith by love and service, the words you use to share your faith will be more valid.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
By Vonette Bright
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