Vesuvius, Vesuvius
Why is your anger waged?
Are we not worthy of your compassion?
Though you are mighty,
Can we not be saved?
Lightning from the Heavens
Strike down in wrath, it's true.
But, you, a titan
Have you no pathos
For the rage that rages in you?
Hear our pleas
Our anguish and cries
As upon our knees we beseech thee.
Oh, Vesuvius, in your power lies
To free these people beneath thee.
“Just dusk it off!”
Were the words that the night said to the earth.
“Spin a little more,
And in the dark,
I will give you rebirth.
Listen to the crickets,
They sense the end of day.
So, dusk it off,
Won’t you please,
And I’ll show you the way.”
For the kisses you greet me with in the morning
For the ones you give me all day
I thank for with a final kiss of goodnight
When, dear sun, you go away
Throw light into the shadows
Cast your visage to the wind
The long, long night has ended
As the sun does shine again
The waters reflect the beauty
From the peaks of mountains high
The breeze is hush upon the glade
A mirror in Nature’s eye
Snowcaps in the distance
With nimbus clouds above
Surely nothing can compare
A picturesque parade of love
Silhouetted against a backdrop of amber
The burnt-orange sky bursts into life
Morning breaks in a moment that takes your breath away
As I sat on the park bench I happened to glance down and see a peanut sitting inconspicuously behind one of the legs. Naturally, I bent over and picked it up. Glancing up, across the walking path, I noticed a squirrel suddenly stop his constant hopping and digging to give me a hard stare of anticipation.
Laughing aloud and looking down at the small nugget of gold, that I obviously held in my hand, I debated whether to toss it over to the little grey fur ball or hold it out as an offering.
Isn’t this what we do in life sometimes? We know what the right thing to do is, yet we hesitate and try to figure out another path.
Instinct tells me to toss the peanut to the squirrel, so why don’t I do just that? Is it God whispering to me to toss the small gift, and, in return, me trying to rationalize another or better way? Perhaps.
Am I being selfish to want the squirrel to come and take the prize from my hand? Why do I need that confirmation of its trust?
In the end… I tossed the peanut to the squirrel and he cracked it and ate it then and there.
My reward was found in my own smile and warmed heart! Thank you, Lord!
Hebrews 13:16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
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