The Wall

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“What a dear old wall that is that runs along by the river there! I never pass it without feeling better for the sight of it. Such a mellow, bright, sweet old wall; what a charming picture it would make, with the lichen creeping here, and the moss growing there, a shy young vine peeping over the top at this spot, to see what is going on upon the busy river, and the sober old ivy clustering a little farther down! There are fifty shades and tints and hues in every ten yards of that old wall. . . . It looks so peaceful and so quiet, and it is such a dear old place to ramble round in the early morning before many people are about.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” Ch. 6 (1889)

Lessons From My Children (and Grandchildren)

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Having a small child around the house again has brought some long-forgotten lessons back to me. For example, have you ever noticed how easily a child is quited and amused with trinkets, toys, etc--as long as he or she is not hungry? Once those pangs hit, we quickly learn that NOTHING will satisfy but what it craves--food.

So it is with man and the matters of the soul. Music, flowers, incense, candles, banners, processions, clothes, acccessories, ceremonies, etc. may all do well under certain conditions, but once he or she feels the need of the soul, there is no contentment in anything save Him alone who completely satisfies.

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