Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Nicolae

Today I met Nicolae
early fifties, Russian, with the warmest blue eyes I have ever seen. When he smiled, the corners crinkled up perfectly and the blue sparkled and twinkled, and warmed me to my toes. I could have stood there shanking his hand until he was thoroughly uncomfortable. Thankfully though, my brother has more tact that I, and interrupted the moment. That's another thing...his hands. I've never seen hands like those. Enormous! And from years of hard work, they were so strong. The suprising thing was that they were soft as well. Have you ever had a handshake like that? I knew he could crush me like a grape, but he only used pressure enough to convey that he was sincerely glad to meet me.

"Nicolae...nice meet you...few words...many deeds." My confused expression, must have shown him that I wasn't following. Quickly he turned to my brother and said, "yes, please translate." My brother then explained that Nicolae couldn't yet speak very well, but he had a children's storybook in the truck that he was trying to learn from.

Amazing! A grown man, so strong, bent over a little kid's book, trying to learn my language. I sit here now, humbled.

All day long since that meeting, I have been thinking of why this man has fixed himself in my heart so quickly. After talking with him for two minutes, and not even understanding much of that, I find myself wishing I could walk with him every day. Hear his stories.

I think I know why. I see my Savior in those smiling eyes. I feel His love in the warm pressure of that hand. The humility there in his countenance was also a reflection of my Lord. I may never see Nicolae again. Well, this side of heaven at least. But he sure made me homesick. What will it be like to meet Jesus? To meet my Abba, my Husband, the closest Friend I have ever known... Today I got a taste of that. A small and wonderful reminder of what is to come. I am so ready.

11 comments:

Fran said...

I'm ready too! That was beautiful.

elaina said...

thanks franny, and thanks for stoppin by! I'll be visiting you soon.

shannon said...

Elaina, you are such a good writer! It's so fun to get to read something you wrote. I love your perspective ... and you made me homesick, too. :)

elaina said...

Thanks Shanny, you inspired me! I love how you can show God in all the small moments and get us to stop and take a longer look. I love you!

Fran said...

Arielle thinks it's very cool that you have a blog and she made me sign on here and tell you! :)

shannon said...

I love you too :)

So ... when do we get another post, Missy??

Fran said...

Yeah, no kidding!! Is this thing on? Testing....testing....

;P

elaina said...

you guys are so funny! Thanks Arielle! There will be more soon, when I get a minute to breathe (:

Kim said...

Like everyone else, Elaina you made me homesick. Such a beautiful post!

Cora said...

What a wonderful post, Elaina. You write beautifully. I loved your insight into a man you just met and maybe never see again. God bless you, Elaina.

Come soon, Jesus!

P.S. Blog again soon!

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