Ripples

   Have you ever felt like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Maybe not the entire world, but yours is plenty heavy on its own. I feel like that sometimes. It seems like I can't make any decisions for myself without imagining the thousands of possible effects that one decision will have on my family, my friends and my entire future. I always thought it was cool that if I had done one tiny thing differently, my present reality would be completely changed. Recently it's like the opposite thoughts are occurring. One tiny drop of indecision and over-analysis takes me out of the moment totally and catapults me into an unsure future of uncertainty and judgement.

Ripples on the Pond of Lifeby Von E. Weeks

Yesterday I saw something that delighted my intellect as the images caught my eye, The picturesque images that unfolded were as dazzling as colors of a rainbow filling the sky. The mental picture I discovered helped me to form a kaleidoscope in the recesses of my heart, I saw a community pulling together, loving a family whose child from earth, did recently depart. The insightful memories I received form this gathering are treasures of infinite worth, The lessons God taught me were rejuvenating and gave my value system order and rebirth. As adults we’re constantly seeking the acclaim and recognition of fortune, power, and fame, A child of twelve who sought only LOVE, received recognition that would put most leaders to shame. Last night at a memorial for this twelve-year-old girl, I realized our lives are like ripples in a pound, The behavior that we emulate causes ripples in the lives of other long after we are dead and gone. The outcome each life has on others, is so different, yet the effects of LOVE, is always the same, Some people are full of sorrow, some are burdened with sadness, and some have wild souls to tame. Success motivates some; some seek the praises of man, while other only want to please God, Those people most treasured, are those who seek and give LOVE while earth’s journey they plod. Love’s like a rock thrown into a pool, rippling through the life of others, changing the waters of life, As we travel through the pool of life, LOVE changes us cutting through our souls like a knife. What kind of a ripple will “YOU MAKE” as you swim the turbulent waters of mortality? Will you leave a legacy of loving friends and family, who cherish and treasure you as nobility? Will you seek a life of selfish gratification, indulging each one of your selfish little wants and needs? Or will you choose to follow the example of Christ and live for serving others in all of your deeds? No matter which path you follow you may receive adoration and praises as you leave this earthly realm, But the reasons for the praise will be completely different if LOVE is directing your helm. If LOVE is the reason your fellowmen stand and give their heart-felt adoration and praise, You can be sure that the souls of your friends were changed by the gift of your earthly days. If indulgence of your earthly needs is the achievements of your earthly strife and toil, Your passing will be no more important than a blade of grass wilting in infertile soil. So please remember each day you live your actions are gently rippling, making their mark, Change the direction your walking, it’s not going to be easy, because life’s not a walk in the park! Today I plead, open your eyes, and begin rippling you’re way into the very crevasse of another’s soul. Those ripples of LOVE will come back in waves of affection from your fellowman making you whole. May each of us come to understand that LOVE and service is the only worthwhile thing in life that we can do, And when our journey is over, it will be the LOVE for God and our fellowman, which carries us through. Dear God, Please grant me to have the wisdom to LOVE thee and my fellowman, properly every single day, So as I am remembered, for the deeds of my life, LOVE will be the predominate word my fellowman say.

Von E. Weeks Copyright 2003