He sits waiting. Leaning on his arms, he watches the water. He knows it will stir soon. It always does about now. Not that it makes much difference. Still, he sighs, its a nice game to keep his thoughts at rest. He's not the only one focusing on the water. Yet, he feels that really he is the only one there. He likes it this way. All is still and peaceful, yet full of energy as all are tuning in to the pool of water. Soon, he knows, the moment will again be gone. For afterward, life will return to normal and the gathering crowd will disperse trying to avoid the beggars.
Maybe this time ... he scans the patio with flickering eyes, glancing at the people present just enough to see their readiness. O yes, this time he knows who will win. For Zachary has a friend today. He does not remember seeing this friend of Zachary's until now. Maybe he usually dozes when the guy comes around. There he is now pulling Zachary close to the water's edge, even laying a hand on him as if to give him a push! However, if Zachary is going to get what he wants, he will have to shove himself into the water. If he doesn't, the water has no effect.
No, today will be like any other day. Someone else will win. As usual. For he is at least two feet away. He is making progress though. Last week he was four feet away, and the week before that he was sleeping when it happened. Yet, someone else will always be ahead no matter how far he goes. For, unlike Zachary, he has no friends to carry him to the water's edge. No, his only friends are people like him. Cripples.
He glances at his buddy Josiah and sees his arms extended to the pool with his hands gripping the ledge, ready to push off at any moment. Good for him. Yet, he knows it is Zachary who will win. Any one who has someone to help them always wins. Unless that friend does too much for their disabled buddy. People have learned the hard way that they must take the last step on their own. Otherwise their friend has to rescue them from the waters, lest they drown.
He feels the tension in the air. Quickly he focuses on the water as he hears the faintest whisper. There is no breeze. For a split second, everyone just keeps staring. Suddenly Zachary is in the water shouting hallelujah and rescuing Josiah at the same time. Poor Josiah. Through out the patio, a collective sigh comes forth as the cripples turn to the crowd to beg.
Well, that's that. He is about to beg when a young man out of the crowd walks right up to him. Thinking that he will give him money, he holds out his hand. Instead, the young man says, "Look at me." "Do you want to get well?" Of course he does, he nods.
"Look at me and see. See the light that has so long alluded you. Look I am here. My hand is reaching out to you. But now you must take it, for now it is your moment, your time to rise up. Rise and shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."
He takes it, and is strengthened. He stands, walks, jumps, runs. He shouts. Glory halelujah the Lord has healed me in and out!
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