Shade Tree Wisdom 11/13/12

          The week is a time to reminisce, to remember fondly things through the years. One that struck me recently was a time the evening chores were done, cows milked, stock cared for, and we closed the barn door and headed for the house for the night. It was cold and crisp, with a bright moon shining, when we heard a flock of geese on their way to their winter quarters, honking, and we could see them, against the moon, flying long through the night. My brother started reciting Bryant’s “Ode to a Waterfowl”.
              “He who from zone to zone,
               Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight,
               In the long way that I must tread alone,
               Will guide my way aright.”
And as I recalled the incident I thought how unerringly their flight was guided by a Creator who made them all.

          And then ancient Daniel came to mind. (You think of Daniel and the lion’s den). But Daniel, an Israelite captive who had been trained to serve the king, was also faithful to his God. During the years, he had proved wisdom in his dealings, and integrity always. So finally, since he did the job so well, the Persian king whom he now served planned to place him in charge of every overseer – they had these overseers in place to try to stop corruption.

          Instead of rejoicing in his success, his fellows in office showed their jealousy by trying to find him at fault. His work was without fault, so they said, “We have to hit him where he serves God”. And the plan called for a new law which called all to bow to the King, no exceptions. The King foolishly made the law, and then found Daniel praying to His God three times a day.

          There was the law, and Daniel was guilty. The king tried all day to find a way to save his favorite, but in the evening had to allow the punishment. So we have this Daniel in the lion’s den because of his integrity.

          In the morning when he found Daniel alive, he had him removed, and punished his accusers instead.

          So I’ve come to this, Integrity is still what gives strength, flavor and spice to life today, and it still evokes jealousy as well as admiration. And God still sees it as an asset for His children. One little question, where do I fit in?

GPD 11/13/12