The Blind Man of Budapest

One things that amazes me in our district is the number of blind people on the streets. I would think that the streets of Budapest are hazardous enough even with the benefit of sight, let alone being blind. But it seems a daily occurrence that I see someone tentatively walking down the sidewalk, standing at a cross walk, or just trying to find their why, white stick before them fanning out for contact.

A few weeks ago I was at a major intersection ready to get on the bus. The bus pulled up and as I walked towards the forward door I observed a man attempting to make his way onto the bus. He was still standing on the edge of the curb, white stick through the door looking for contact. His arm outstretched groping for where he hoped he would find a handhold in the open door way.

As I came next to him I saw the the handhold was a few feet beyond his hands and while moving ever so slowly towards it, the bus would soon ring it's buzzer to close the doors. So I reached over and placed my hand over his. Immediately his body relaxed. Realizing someone was there who could see, he put his trust in me and stepped boldly onto the bus without hesitation. A few steps and I placed his hand up the hold he was searching for.

We never exchanged words. I didn't linger there but walked to the center of the bus where I like to stand. He was still clinging onto the hand hold at the front of the bus when I hopped off at my stop.

I realized that this is a good metaphor for spiritual life. In many ways we are like this blind man of Budapest. We can't see the future, we're not sure what lays before us. Sure we have clues, and we desperately grope for what we hope is in front of us, but ultimately we live life in a cautious way, step by step, dealing with what is within arms reach.

Oh how I long for God to take my hand and lead me to where I should be! To rest in the knowledge that someone is there who sees what is in front of me, and can guide me to the safety of a hand hold. Do you feel this way? Like your life is a mixture of fear and caution.

Christ says that we do not have to be afraid. He is our Shepherd, who's rod and staff are comforts to us. He knows the way, and he offers his hand to help us through the snares and pitfalls of life, if we will simply allow him to take our hand, and put our trust in Him.

I don't suppose that the blind man of Budapest knows that he reminded me of an important lesson a few weeks ago. But I thank him for it, and pray that this week, you find God's hand, relax, and let him lead the way.

From the Eastern Front,

Jonathan