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Harry was a quiet, gentle, kind-hearted man who daily demonstrated his concern for people. He was a pastor for over forty years, serving his last church for twenty years. When it came to preaching Harry had a style all his own. He was not what might be labeled flashy; he certainly was no showman. Harry had the gift of making people feel at ease. Whenever anyone wanted to speak with him he always made that person feel welcome and comfortable. He always had time for his parishioners, and never gave the perception that he was too busy to speak with anyone who wanted to talk with him. The adults in the congregation looked to Harry as the kind father. For the children and youth Harry was the ideal grandparent. When he retired the congregation that he had served so well gave him and his wife a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Holy Land.

It was not long after they returned from their trip that Harry got a part-time job as a grocery bagger at a local supermarket. Even though he was retired he still had energy and still wanted to be around people. Besides, he figured, they could use the extra income. A warm smile always greeted persons as they checked out. He would occasionally offer an encouraging word to someone who shared a problem or concern. His popularity was among the children. In addition to always speaking with the children in line with their parents, Harry would often have a hand puppet in his pocket which he would bring out and speak in a funny voice to the children. The children loved him and every time they went to the supermarket they looked for the kind old man. Whenever his puppet would appear there was always laugher. Harry was an ambassador of goodwill among the employees, who soon came to love him.

At first people from his former congregation felt uncomfortable seeing their retired pastor bagging groceries. Soon they would talk with him on their way out of the store. Before too long, like the children, adults would look for Harry every time they shopped. Harry always had an encouraging word, a word of hope, to offer people.

For 23 years after his retirement Harry bagged groceries. Then one winter Harry fell and broke his leg. He would no longer be able to work at the supermarket.

It was while Harry was home recuperating that a trusted colleague stopped to see him. With enthusiasm Harry told how he was studying his Bible. Currently he was once again reading the book of Romans. He showed his friend his Bible where he was making notes in the margins. His friend was surprised that Harry would find not only strength but fulfillment in reading his Bible, something he had done all his life. As his friend left he told Harry that he hoped he had as much desire to immerse himself in the word of God when he reached his age.