I know you may think I’m pulling your leg in what I’m about to tell you, but I am not. I’m telling the truth.—A long way away, on this slab of endless rock, I could see this big thing coming toward me at lightening speed (by turtle standards). It was huge, tall, wide, and long. It was about a foot off the ground, had four black round things, sort of like legs, that were rolling on the ground, carrying this big box thing, whatever it was. Those black things were going faster than a horsefly chasing a horse. And this thing, whatever it was, made a noise unlike any animal I’d ever heard. It sounded like unending thunder, a dog growling, and a wind storm all at the same time. As it got closer, the noise got louder and louder. I couldn’t have gotten out of the way if I had tried, so I did the only thing I knew to do. I pulled my head in my shell and watched in utter terror. One of the big black rolling things was coming right toward me when, at the last minute, it swerved, and this huge long thing ran over the top of me without touching me. The wind from this creature almost blew me over. (Don’t tell anyone, but I left a wet puddle right there on that highway!) Was this a visitation fromGod or an angel? I still wonder. While I was mulling that thought over, more and more of these creatures kept coming toward me at lightning speed, most of them just barely missing me. Let me tell you, my world view has forever changed. I loved being out there on that slab of rock with the white stripes, but those things whizzing by my head scared me. If one of them had hit me, I bet I’d be dead. They were far bigger than a cow, and the ground vibrated when they went past. Well, it didn’t take long for me to figure out that I didn’t belong there. I headed for the nearest grass and I plowed into it. I could still hear those creatures hours later, going up and down that never-ending rock. But eventually, I was away from there with only the sound of the crickets and bull frogs. So, where am I now? I’m in some farmer’s field sitting on a dry cow patty. It doesn’t smell the greatest, but at least I can see several inches in front of me. It reminds me of that day when I could see forever. Except for the stars and sun overhead, I never get to see very far. Something changed in me that day. While I was frightened out of my wits, I long for that view again. I yearn for a life where I can see. There is an ache in my heart to be able to walk without every step being so darn hard. On that slab of rock I went faster than I’d ever gone in my entire life. It was amazing. I felt so free. I’ve heard that some animals enjoy running. I understand why now. If I could have
Postscript M y first pet turtle as a child was named Hurkermer. In my job as a hospice chaplain, I do a lot of driving. I frequently drive past or over land turtles, always being careful not to hit them. One day driving along, I began thinking what it must be like for them, thus this short parable. Sometimes I feel like a turtle, wandering onto the highway of life, seeing a car for the first time. When God enters our world, it is much the same way. Our lives are never quite the same. At the birth of Jesus, do you recall how the angels appeared to some shepherds in the field? I bet they felt much like Hurkermer. Do you suppose their lives were ever the same after that? No way. Like Hurkermer, God may use the dramatic to get our attention. It may be the feeling you get as you look at the night sky and see thousands of stars, or witness the birth of a baby. Or, it may come with the death of a loved one, or being confronted with a terminal illness yourself. However it happens, we all need to be awakened to the reality of God and how short and precious life is. stayed on that slab, I would have taken up running too. Maybe I could get somebody to do some bodywork on my shell and streamline it. You know, “Hot Rod Turtle.” Someday, when I get the courage, I may go in search of the never-ending rock again. Maybe one of those strange creatures will stop and give me a ride. I wonder if they would take me to where the slab ends? Come to think of it, I wonder if it ever ends?—Oh well. A turtle can’t know everything. I know this probably sounds far fetched, but honest, this really happened to me. I’m not lying. Someday you too may encounter Someone, or something, unlike anything you’ve ever known. Will you be ready? d —Love, Uncle Hurkermer
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