River of Life
We are each of us but a small atom of the greatest force on earth
- life. It matters not whether we want to be - we are! That is
fact.
Just as the tiniest stream is but a small tributary of the vast
river, and the river gets its life from the mighty ocean, it plays
its part, as do we, in the on-going story of the Universe.
The mighty oak stands because of a tiny acorn, the sap runs in
the magestic maple and the bright-yellow dandelion, although we
term it a weed, is a spot of beauty and colour where often nothing
else will grow. Birds soar on high and even the tiniest winged
creature returns season after season. Animals shed their winter
coats and watch their young frolic on the green grass in the warmth
of the sun.
With awe, I think of all nature 'knowing' when the time is 'right'.
A time for rain, a time for sunshine, a time for day and a time
for night and rest, while the moon and stars keep their steady,
watchful vigil.
The time is right for me to do 'my' part - 'something' to show
I've passed this way and bring even 'one' person a pleasant thought.
We needn't all be masters of the arts or do the same things. If
I cannot play a concerto, it may be because someone is waiting
for a simple melody. If I cannot dance, I can applaud the dancer.
I don't have to be an operatic singer to 'just sing'. Singing
makes the heart light. Laughter is better than medicine. I applaud
the dancer, singer, comedian, as they bring joy into my life and
the artist for filling my mind with beauty and imagination, the
author who carries me to far-off places. I applaud 'you' for what
you do and I applaud 'life' and write this token to be carried
along the 'river of life' on this spring day.
-Joan Adams Burchell - written April 11, 1987. (copyright)
