I want to talk a bit about Bill. I think I’ve written about him before in these notes several years ago, but I was reminded of him tonight while listening to a sermon.
I don’t remember exactly how I met Bill. We were in a Bible study, but I don’t remember how we came to be studying together; it’s been too many years now. I do remember that Bill was, I think the polite term used to be, “a little slow.” Bill was not mentally retarded, or disabled, but he was challenged. He could live on his own and care for himself and he had a job that paid for his rent and his living.
Even more vividly, I remember that when we studied the Bible Bill’s eyes would light up. He would talk about how beautiful heaven must be and he wasn’t talking about beautiful mansions, but about a perfect existence where he wasn’t handicapped, and an existence where people didn’t make fun of him. Bill had mean neighbors and he hurt! I’m ashamed to say it, but I think heaven meant more to Bill than it did to me.
I’ve lost track of Bill in the years since, but I think of him from time to time and I hope that one day, walking down that street of gold, I’ll see him. I really do want to hug his neck!
but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). God loves Bill, and He loves you; and so do I.
Donnie Bates
