A Time for Solace

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?!!

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?