If We'd Only Hurried

[sunshine]

I respect it very much! That's why I like to look at beauty and
enjoy each moment to the fullest."

The winding path led through graceful meadows, wildflowers
and along a rippling stream - all of which the young man missed
as he churned within, preoccupied and boiling with anxiety. He
didn't even notice how lovely the sunset was that day.

Twilight found them in what looked like a huge, colorful garden.
The old man breathed in the aroma, listened to the bubbling
brook, and pulled the ox to a halt. "Let's sleep here," he sighed.

"This is the last trip I'm taking with you," snapped his son. "You're
more interested in watching sunsets and smelling flowers, than
in making money!"

"Why, that's the nicest thing you've said in a long time," smiled
the dad. A couple of minutes later he was snoring - as his boy
glared back at the stars. The night dragged slowly, the son was
restless.

Before sunrise the young man hurriedly shook the father awake.
They hitched up and went on. About a mile down the road they
happened upon another farmer - a total stranger - trying to pull
his cart out of a ditch.

"Let's give him a hand," whispered the old man.

"And lose more time?" the boy exploded.

"Relax, son... you might be in a ditch yourself. We need to help
others in need - don't forget that." The boy looked away in anger.

It was almost eight o'clock that morning by the time the other cart
was back on the road. Suddenly, a great flash split the sky. What
sounded like thunder followed. Beyond the hills, the sky grew
dark.

"Looks like big rain in the city," said the old man.

"If we had hurried, we'd be almost sold out by now," grumbled
his son.

"Take it easy... you'll last longer. And you'll enjoy life so much
more," counseled the kind old gentlemen.

It was late in the afternoon by the time they got to the hill
overlooking the city. They stopped and stared down at it for a
long time. Neither of them said a word. Finally, the young man
put his hand on his father's shoulder and said, "I see what you
mean, Dad."

They turned their cart around and began to roll slowly away from
what had once been the city of Hiroshima.

Billy Rose

[guest2]

Wow...that sure causes you to pause and think....

[Ellise]

Wow