She didn’t want to go as she was tired, and it was a long drive from her home. She knew it was not possible to stay and visit very long that day. A myriad of excuses came unbidden to her mind. Her friend would understand, and perhaps another day would be better for a nice long visit. Even while such thoughts swirled in her mind, her car sped onward. Almost with a mind of its own it journeyed towards its destination still many miles away. Some type of purpose seemed to have given direction to the vehicle. In the back of her mind she thought there must be some reason to continue onward.
The sunlit scenery flew past the car windows. Majestic mountains soared heavenward to the east, with the valley stretching out from the rolling foothills. Traffic was light, and the hum of tires on the road kept a low steady accompaniment to the music on the radio. Sunshine filled the sky – perhaps it was a good day after all for a nice drive and a visit. Promises had been made, and it would be good to see her friend face to face again.
Finally she arrived at her destination, and climbed out of her small white car. It was good to stretch her legs, but even better yet to greet her dear friend with a hug. Conversation was somewhat subdued that afternoon, but flowed with a shared sense of humor and familiarity that deep friendship brings.
After a time the pleasant visit was rudely interrupted by the jarring ring of the telephone. Her friend spoke briefly and emotionally to the person on the other end of a long distance call. Then, upon hanging up, her friend broke down in pain filled tears of grief.
The news of her friend’s father passing away after a long and difficult illness had been expected for many weeks. But even so, it was a shock as all such news will be. She was unsure what to do or say, as up to that time she had never experienced such a loss in her own life. In simplicity she offered forth the only thing she had - arms of comfort, and a strong shoulder for her beloved friend.
Later while driving home and reflecting upon the days events, she knew with a certainty why she had been guided over those many miles to visit her friend at that time. God in His perfect love for His children had known of the need for solace to be given and received. And her heart poured forth with thankfulness that her friend was not alone on that day.
Years have since past, and it then was her turn to learn of God’s abiding love and care for her in a time of grief. Even through the tears and sorrow from loosing her own parents, she is able to recognize the gift of an always outstretched hand from a loving Father in Heaven. It is He who now unfailingly offers forth arms of comfort and a strong shoulder to her in times of her own need.
Bunny
I have been adopted by a wonderful pet that I call, "Bunny". I say that I have been adopted by him because it is common knowledge that it is the pet who is the true master of the household.
I was actually able to capture Bunny in the wild and tame him myself (not an easy task mind you). To capture one of these pets - one must approach it very slowly or it may run and hide. And please note that you are to never use any type of weapon in the capturing process as these creatures are quite easily harmed (they are also especially afraid of things like brooms or vacuums).
The care and feeding of such creatures is actually quite simple - however you must remember one cardinal rule or disaster and/or death may occur. You must never give your pet any type of liquids (water, milk, etc.) as there is great potential for drowning and possible disintegration of vital internal organs. Also you are to never let this pet outside of the house as it will surely escape - never to be seen again. And if you think a leash will prevent escape - please know that such a device can cause great bodily harm!
Bunny is a very quiet and non-demanding pet - most of the time you would never even know that he is in the same room! And he is most content when he can find a dark corner of the house to rest in. I love my Bunny - he is the most perfect pet! I'm thinking about knitting him a sweater for the upcoming winter months. I understand that his breed prefers clothing items to be made from soft dryer lint - and so I have been faithfully accumulating a stockpile of lint in preparation.
I just checked on Bunny to see how he is doing - and to my surprise there are little bunnies all over the place!! Oh dear! Bunny must be a "she" and not a "he" - for she has apparently given birth - and to some of the cutest little baby bunnies! I must be diligent and find a good home for all the little bunnies - so be sure to let me know if you need a nice quiet pet who is no bother at all. To help you decide which one you may want - here is a photo of a few of Bunny's babies...
Aren't they just too cute for words?!!
I was actually able to capture Bunny in the wild and tame him myself (not an easy task mind you). To capture one of these pets - one must approach it very slowly or it may run and hide. And please note that you are to never use any type of weapon in the capturing process as these creatures are quite easily harmed (they are also especially afraid of things like brooms or vacuums).
The care and feeding of such creatures is actually quite simple - however you must remember one cardinal rule or disaster and/or death may occur. You must never give your pet any type of liquids (water, milk, etc.) as there is great potential for drowning and possible disintegration of vital internal organs. Also you are to never let this pet outside of the house as it will surely escape - never to be seen again. And if you think a leash will prevent escape - please know that such a device can cause great bodily harm!
Bunny is a very quiet and non-demanding pet - most of the time you would never even know that he is in the same room! And he is most content when he can find a dark corner of the house to rest in. I love my Bunny - he is the most perfect pet! I'm thinking about knitting him a sweater for the upcoming winter months. I understand that his breed prefers clothing items to be made from soft dryer lint - and so I have been faithfully accumulating a stockpile of lint in preparation.
I just checked on Bunny to see how he is doing - and to my surprise there are little bunnies all over the place!! Oh dear! Bunny must be a "she" and not a "he" - for she has apparently given birth - and to some of the cutest little baby bunnies! I must be diligent and find a good home for all the little bunnies - so be sure to let me know if you need a nice quiet pet who is no bother at all. To help you decide which one you may want - here is a photo of a few of Bunny's babies...
Aren't they just too cute for words?!!
Questions of Being
Often the young woman would sit and contemplate the old photograph. The two people pictured there, had lived 100 years before. They looked back at her from the photo with serenity and great wisdom gained after a lifetime of experiences. Who were this man and this woman? Their names of course she knew – but who were they in life? What thoughts, sorrows, joys, and love did they experience, oh so long ago? Stories handed down through generations provide only a momentary glimpse into what was a long, fruitful, and mostly difficult life for these two people... these ancestors.
In wonder the young woman reflected upon the few known experiences from their lives – those fiery furnaces through which they had passed and emerged from all the more strong and confident. What of them now could be found in her own thoughts or actions... in her very blood? What had been passed down through time and distance from them – to now be found in a day and age so dissimilar from their own? The young woman herself was quite different from the people in the photograph – but how much of that was only physical appearances?
As the young woman continued to ponder these many questions – something inside whispered to her that those who had lived so long ago were not really all that removed from herself. The specific experiences and lifestyles may have differences – that was true. And the young woman hoped that when she finally one day met these two people face to face that she could honestly tell them that she had done her best to bring honor to their legacy.
And at that moment, the young woman realized that those people in the photograph were only a part of her true self. What things, what talents had she inherited from her Eternal Father in Heaven which were also – and to a much greater extent – a part of her very being? As important as it seems to recognize one’s mortal ancestors and their impact upon our lives – how much more important is it to acknowledge and give honor and respect to our Beloved Father in Heaven for all that He has bequeathed to us, His children?
In wonder the young woman reflected upon the few known experiences from their lives – those fiery furnaces through which they had passed and emerged from all the more strong and confident. What of them now could be found in her own thoughts or actions... in her very blood? What had been passed down through time and distance from them – to now be found in a day and age so dissimilar from their own? The young woman herself was quite different from the people in the photograph – but how much of that was only physical appearances?
As the young woman continued to ponder these many questions – something inside whispered to her that those who had lived so long ago were not really all that removed from herself. The specific experiences and lifestyles may have differences – that was true. And the young woman hoped that when she finally one day met these two people face to face that she could honestly tell them that she had done her best to bring honor to their legacy.
And at that moment, the young woman realized that those people in the photograph were only a part of her true self. What things, what talents had she inherited from her Eternal Father in Heaven which were also – and to a much greater extent – a part of her very being? As important as it seems to recognize one’s mortal ancestors and their impact upon our lives – how much more important is it to acknowledge and give honor and respect to our Beloved Father in Heaven for all that He has bequeathed to us, His children?
Twitchy
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
Wonderful... my eyelid is twitching again.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
Oh no... I'm late for my bus.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
That man thinks I am winking and hitting on him
I can tell by the slightly stunned
and somewhat horrified expression on his face.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
"Put ice on it" - an all too helpful person tells me.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
"Get more rest at night" - thanks, I hadn't thought of that.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
This eye thing is really getting annoying!!.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
It's been over two weeks now and no end in sight.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
I know what to do!!
I'll give the eye a nice rest and wear a patch!!.....
Arrggghhhhh Matey! How does me eye patch look?
Huummm.... not as bad as I thought!!
I should wear this thing more often!!
Wonderful... my eyelid is twitching again.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
Oh no... I'm late for my bus.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
That man thinks I am winking and hitting on him
I can tell by the slightly stunned
and somewhat horrified expression on his face.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
"Put ice on it" - an all too helpful person tells me.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
"Get more rest at night" - thanks, I hadn't thought of that.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
This eye thing is really getting annoying!!.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
It's been over two weeks now and no end in sight.....
Twitch Twitch Twitch....
I know what to do!!
I'll give the eye a nice rest and wear a patch!!.....
Arrggghhhhh Matey! How does me eye patch look?
Huummm.... not as bad as I thought!!
I should wear this thing more often!!
Parable of the Peach
The peach tree stood proudly there behind the garage. Promises had been made and it was dutifully progressing forward along the path to fulfilling its share of the bargain. It had promised that it would - within the boundaries of its best abilities - provide the reward of sweet fruit in the season thereof for the gardener... for that year and all the coming years to follow. And the gardener had in return reciprocated by promising to tenderly nurture and care for the tree throughout its life cycle - to provide water and fertilizer as nourishment - and to offer treatments of protection from the dreaded and destructive peach borer.The two neighboring peach trees were in swift competition this year to not only produce a better and sweeter crop of fruit - but also a greater quantity. Jealousy among peach trees is not often witnessed - but in this instance one could definitely feel that perhaps the rivalry was pushing each tree to almost beyond their limits.
Frequently over the summer had the gardener gone forth to pluck developing fruit from the branches of the three trees - greatly thinning out the number of peaches. The proud peach tree could not understand why the gardener would discard its carefully growing fruit before it had reached the pinnacle of ripeness. Didn't the gardener know of the battle being waged between the trees? How would it become the champion of the three trees if its fruit was being increasingly winnowed down?
In secret the proud peach tree devised a stratagem whereby it would hide copious amounts of fruit amongst the plentiful leaves along one of its best limbs - thus assuring itself a victory at harvest time. The gardener continued to do that which was deemed necessary for the trees but - being inexperienced with the deviousness of peach trees - the gardener did not anticipate nor prepare to counter the proud peach tree's devices.
Then one day the gardener ventured into the yard behind the garage - all prepared to offer up ministrations of much needed water near the end of yet another hot summer day. To the gardener's horror there lay on the ground a broken branch that had fallen from the proud peach tree. It was one of the best branches this tree offered and had truly enhanced the symmetry of the tree's perfection. Now on one side of the proud peach tree there was but a ragged and ugly break to which the once thriving limb still in part clung desperately to.
With great sadness - and with much self recrimination - the gardener carefully took a saw in hand to remove the last jagged vestiges of the broken branch from the tree. There were no available means whereby the gardener might repair the branch - too much damage had been caused by the break. Upon close examination of the broken branch - much to the gardener's surprise there was a multitude of heretofore unseen fruit. It was readily apparent that the cause of the disaster lay with the excess of growing fruit - which had overly laden the branch to the limits of its strength.
Overcome with feelings of guilt for not fulfilling promises made - the gardener wept silently for the now lopsided peach tree which no longer stood as proudly as it had before. For the remainder of mortal life the gardener would ask the same question... what more could have been done for the proud peach tree?
And the once proud peach tree knew that it would carry the scars of its actions throughout the remainder of its existence. Somehow the competition with the other peach trees did not hold the same significance as it had before. Finally - and at a great cost - the once proud preach tree understood the true motives of the gardener when underdeveloped fruit had been plucked from its branches. It had thought the gardener was trying to sabotage its quest for triumph over the other trees. The actions of the gardener - painful as they had been for the tree - had been in reality for its own good and protection. The once proud peach tree at last came to realize this great lesson - but only after much suffering and agony that were a direct result from its devious stratagems for glory.
How often do we - engrossed in our own pride and striving for that which we deem to be worthy goals - disregard the actions and concerns offered freely to us by the Master Gardener? What stratagems do we devise in our own hearts and lives that will eventually leave us broken and with scars? If we can but learn to trust in Him who knows the beginning from the end - we need not be afraid of the pruning and thinning of our branches. In the end the Master Gardener will make of us a much better and more whole being than we could ever accomplish on our own.
----------------------------------------------------------
Postlude --
The "parable of the peach" was written with great remorse resulting from negligence in a stewardship over a peach tree (now lopsided and broken) which stands with two others behind the author's garage.
Food of the gods
I have been sitting at my desk for the past hour fighting a rapidly loosing battle against the craving for a small morsel of dark chocolate. The mere thought of that delightful ambrosia... the true food of the gods... is enough to distract even the most dedicated mind from all else that is clamoring for attention.
I can envision (and in a way vicariously experience through imagination and thought) the wonderful satisfaction that comes as dark chocolate slowly and deliciously melts in one's mouth -- sending messages to the brain that at this very moment all is well in the world. Time stands still -- all else is but a blur of activity whirling around the perimeter. In that frozen instant, nothing is as important as the enjoyment and slow pleasure of allowing dark chocolate to infuse itself into the crevices of one's mouth.
For as long as there is still dark chocolate in this world - there remains the opportunity to be magically transported to a new and higher plain of existence - to experience true peacefulness even if for only an instant.