Pray as though everything depends on God. Work as though everything depends on you. |
Vox Dei I read the paper, watch the news, and see it every day. The torment of the lost, the wars, it's all on display. The suffering of children, the inhumanity of man; how can this be a part of someone's grander plan? As I fall asleep at night, I take the time to pray; the images return to me, in my mind's array. They haunt me as I drift away, finally to sleep and I receive an answer that causes me to weep. From the darkness comes a light; words form in my mind: "It is your place to struggle; that's the lot of humankind. The universe is more than you and time's more than your years. There is a balance to be kept - with every joy comes tears. There's purpose in the cruelty and every pain you see though from your vantage point it seems that most is needlessly. Look around you, use your mind, I've given you a voice to change the world you live in through the power of your choice. It's not my will that must be done, it's yours and yours alone. There is a paradise for all, but one that must be grown. Each of you must take a stand and through the strength of one, work together – hand in hand - until the job is done. Like a child that's growing up, some lessons must be learned by letting them make thieir mistakes and while you are concerned you can't protect man from himself no matter how you try and so the world must make a choice for life or it will die." When I awoke, my eyes were wet, but now I clearly see that the future of our world resides within you and me. So now I offer you the choice - take my outstretched hand. Together we can make our world into the promised land. Notes: A "Points of Light" entry for "Rising Stars Shining Brighter" [E] Form: Quatrains vox dei ~ the voice of God "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." Saint Augustine Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise - are all equally welcome. Ken |