You and the Preacher

You slept like a baby last night dreaming of far away places. He stood by a bedside clutching a frail weathered hand, listening to graveled breathing.

You woke up, took a shower, drank some coffee, and were thankful it was Friday. He splashed cold water on his face from a small hospital bathroom sink and wondered what day it was.

You worked at your office job all day, complaining about deadlines and overbearing bosses. He greeted various family members and visitors, pausing sometimes for prayer or a brief quote of scripture.

You wondered what you would be eating for dinner, take out, or a nice sit down restaurant? He wondered if he had enough change in his pocket to afford a small vending machine snack?

You sat in traffic, blowing your horn, cursing at the “crazy” drivers around you. He sat in the same traffic praying to stay awake and hoping to have enough gas to get home.

You sat on your couch watching television until falling asleep. He sat up past midnight praying and studying for his next sermon.

You woke up to the sound of an alarm clock and eager to start the weekend. He was abruptly awakened by a frantic phone call beckoning for him to come.