Veneer

[313 words] A preacher tells the following story and makes a good point for all of us: “Recently,” he says, “while visiting the hospital, I parked in the section marked ‘Doctors Only’ (thanks to the courtesy of the parking attendant). Most of us try not to impose on these parking areas when doctors need the space; but hospitals usually give kind consideration to preachers visiting the sick. So it was that I was allowed to park in this otherwise restricted area. “As l left my car, walking to the hospital, I became aware of a lady walking toward me with an intense stare. Shortly we met face to face, and in an effort be mannerly and friendly, I said, ‘Good afternoon.’ Immediately, as though my greeting had been filled with antibiotics that chased away all pain and germs, she broke into obvious delight and replied, ‘How do you do, Doctor?’…