A small crowd stands
at the traffic lights
waiting patiently
for a safe time to cross.

They are soon joined
by a young woman
pushing a pram.
People in the crowd
glance inside the pram
and grin, in delight,
at this wonderful, pink, slumbering
bundle of innocence.
This wee baby
has quite a following of admirers!

Almost immediately
Wee Johnny joins
the group of pedestrians.
Wee Johny is a wee, old man.
He is balding, stooped and toothless,
unsteady on his feet
and his mind is starting to fail.

No-one in the crowd
gives Wee Johnny a second glance.

But up in heaven,
My God glances down,
and grins from ear to ear
when he sees Wee Johnny.
You see, My God doesn’t see age and frailty –
My God sees someone
who loves life
and battles every day
to retain his independence.
My God sees someone
with a terrific sense of humour
who is determined to find joy
in every precious day.
My God sees someone
who is every bit as adorable at 77
as he was at the age of 7.
My God sees
an old friend.

Today I sense My God asking me,
as I look at Wee Johnny,
who do I see?

© Claire Murray, 20th June 2018