“Honor will be yours if you humble yourself.” -- Matthew 23:12
Max makes a paltry living driving a taxi - but he’s his own boss. Because his is the night shift, his cab is a mobile confessional of sorts. People park themselves behind him and without prompting, tell him all about their lives. Some make him chuckle, others make him cry. But Ellie – now she was special!
Dispatch sent him to the low-rent district where many drivers would simply honk, wait a minute, and drive away. But poor people depend on taxis for lots of reasons, so he walked to the door and knocked.
"Just a minute," answered a frail, elderly voice.
The door opened after a long pause. A petite woman in her 80s appeared dressed as if for Sunday Mass. "I’m Ellie,” she whispered.
She asked that they drive downtown even though it wasn’t the cheapest way to her destination.
"I'm in no hurry; I'm on my way to a hospice.” She continued matter-of-factly, “My doctor says my end is near.” Her misty eyes revealed sadness and fear. Max reached over and inconspicuously shut off the meter awaiting further instructions.
For the next two hours, they criss-crossed the city. She pointed out an abandoned ballroom where she had danced as a young girl, the building where she had once served as an elevator operator, and the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived as newlyweds. Sometimes they’d stop in front of a nondescript building where she’d stare silently into the darkness.
As the sun began to color the horizon, she suggested, “It’s time to go now!"
Nothing more was said as they drove to the address she had given him. Two orderlies met them as soon as they arrived, and helped Ellie into a wheelchair.
Reaching into her purse, Ellie inquired, “How much do I owe you?"
"Nothing," Max said, “It was an honor and my pleasure!”
"Dear, you gave an old woman much enjoyment tonight," she said. "Bless you!"
He bent over and gave her a hug. She held him tightly for a brief instant. Max squeezed her hand and walked away into the dim morning light. Behind him, a door shut - the closing of an amazing life.
God’s blessings often catch us unaware - beautifully disguised in what others may consider insignificant. What if Max had impatiently driven away? God gives every bird its food, but He doesn’t throw it in its nest. Are you making life precious – or waiting for it to be so?
Jesus, thank you for the rich tapestry of blessed souls who have touched me, taught me, and loved me – those that I have known and those I selfishly ignored. Cast away my blindness – and embrace the enormous beauty I sometimes refuse to see. Amen
