BOXCAR BILLY, SIR!

Just had a nice talk with a man who is in his 70's. He is retired. Billy talks to himself a lot. Not too many people pay attention to him. His nickname is 'Boxcar', Boxcar Billy! He is a retired Hobo. By all accounts he was never a derelict, but in the strictest sense a real Hobo, all of his adult life. There is a difference, you know! Hobos are vagabonds. They travel the countryside most of their lives, working their way along as they go.

Billy has many stories to tell of his years riding the trains, unticketed of course. Hence his nickname. He traveled the boxcars from one end of the country to the other, many times over.

He has few friends, never any visitors to his new apartment environs. He gets by on his Social Security, as he did work most of his years going from town to town.

Society is, of course, quick to criticize the life he has led. Most good folks would avoid him although he is always well groomed in his everyday blue jeans and dress t-shirts.

He is a nice man, or so it seems on the surface. Always friendly and willing to engage in conversation with others or, if need be, himself. Mostly himself I would guess.

Talking with Billy tonight it occurred to me that God loves this slight in stature, elderly man, just as much as He loves any others of His creation. When Jesus hung on the Cross He hung there for you and for me............... and for Boxcar Billy too!

Will you pray that God gives me the opportunity to let Billy know of that great love?

(picture used with permission)