Two weeks ago today I was walking along the edge of a country road. My car had broken down and the battery in in my cellphone was dead.
It was then that a pickup truck pulled over in front of me and offered me a ride. I said “yes” and then jumped inside.
The driver of the pickup introduced himself as “3J.” He explained that he was a third-generation of James; hence, 3J was his nickname.
He asked what my problem was and wondered why an older man like myself would be walking alone on a back country road!
I explained that my car had broken down a couple miles back and that I was headed for town for parts to fix my car.
3J said that he would be glad to help me.
As we made the trip into town, 3J began to tell me about himself. Life for him had been hard from the beginning, having been born into a large family. He had to create a position for himself in the family. Many times 3J was left out to fend for himself.
By the time 3J had become a young man, he had become bitter and mean. Even his marriage didn’t last very long.
It was then it happened. One day, about a year ago, he found a lump on his body under his arm. After many tests the doctor gave him the bad news: it was terminal cancer. He said that 3J has less than a year to live.
So 3J began a journey to set his life in order. His first call was to his wife of less than a year. He explained to her what was wrong with him and begged her to forgive him.
Then he made a list of all the people who he had hurt. One at a time, he visited all of them.
3J had traveled down the road to inner peace. He then explained how much better he felt about himself.
It wasn’t very long – or at least it seemed to me – that he had my car fixed and I was back on the road. I offered to pay him but he said no. He said that his job now was to spread the word about inner peace, love and charity.
Atfer exchanging shakes and hugs we were both on our way.
3J would continue his mission; and me, to write the story that must be told to you today.
May you, the reader, find peace in your life and in your heart.
