My Dear Friends,
In the old board room of
King’s College Hospital in London there used to hang a painting.
It was an unusual tableau. It depicted two terrier dogs supporting
and upholding a collie; and it tells a tale of compassion and faith.
Many years ago there was a book shop in London owned by a Mr.
Frederick Nutt. While Mr. Nutt worked in his shop his two little
terrier dogs sat on guard outside and surveyed the scene as the world
went by. The Hospital was nearby and these little dogs must have
noticed the doctors and nurses and patients and ambulances coming and
going. It must have occurred to their clever little minds that this
was a place of help and healing. One day a collie dog dashed out
into the road without looking; and was knocked down. The poor dog
was badly hurt and found difficulty in keeping his balance and in
walking. Mr. Nutt’s two little terriers, who are the heroes of
this true story, ran forward and stood one on either side of the
wounded collie. They propped him up and supported him; and gently
nudged and guided him towards the hospital. Arriving at the main
entrance, they barked insistently for attention. These little dogs
showed great confidence and faith; great compassion and concern. And
they knew where to go to get help. The painting in the board room
commemorates their insight and fidelity.
Both Mark and Luke tell
the story of four men who carried their paralysed friend to Jesus for
healing; and who couldn’t get near him for the crowd. Climbing up
onto the roof of the house, they opened up a hole in the roof and
lowered him down. Jesus was standing teaching in one of the rooms
below when suddenly all this took place. He must have been surprised
and astonished; and I’ve no doubt he smiled in amusement at the
perseverance and determination of these four friends.
It is a great thing to
have compassion and concern. It is a marvellous thing to have
confidence and faith. It is a tremendous thing to know where to go
to get help. It is a wonderful thing to have friends. It is a
wonderful thing to BE a friend.
Liz joins me in sending
our love to you all.
Alex.
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