The Essence of John

I couldn’t bring myself to open it, so I laid John’s wallet on my desk. It had lain there for almost five months. Today I grew brave enough. The experience was heartbreaking and sobering.

The brown leather billfold contained the essence of John. 

The first thing I noticed was what he had written on the protection sleeve for his enhanced driver’s license. *John 3:16 & 1150 + 650 = fun. That one took me awhile. Then my light bulb came on. His last two motorcycles were an 1150 and a 650.

He was Christian who rode motorcycles and had fun.

As I continued my perusal, I could feel his presence. This wallet had gone with him everywhere…including numerous hospital rooms. His wallet was left in my protection as he underwent tests, therapies, and surgeries.

His identity was contained in that wallet.

That’s when the sobering thought hit me. These oh so important pieces of paper were no longer relevant. The social security number that had been his since birth no longer counted. He didn’t need a driver’s license or insurance on his car. His extremely long list of medications was of no importance. And he would never use his emergency check.  

You see where I’m going with this?

You can’t carry what truly matters in a wallet (or purse). His love of God and people was not carried in his pocket. In the end, the significant essence of John was what he carried in his heart.

He possessed an enlarged heart…one full of love.

“A good person produces good deeds and words season after season.” Matthew 12:35 (MSG)