A Gift for the Earth Gift, Earth

yunyou

A Gift for the Earth

　

Being privileged to know such things, I can state with certainty that not too many years ago the gods were gathered in a regularly scheduled meeting that since the beginning of time has been held but once each ten thousand years. Their purpose on this occasion was to discuss past activities and coordinate future plans for the running of the Earth and the surrounding heavens.

After the meeting was called to order, the first to speak was the god of stars. He proudly stated that since their last meeting he had created thousands more of the beautiful, glowing bodies and had placed each so as to be easily viewed from the Earth. "They shall henceforth be seen and enjoyed by all who inhabit that world," he said. Warm smiles and thunderous applause greeted his words, and as he seated himself the god next to him whispered, "Well done."

Next to tell of his work was the god of winds. He, too, spoke of what he had done and he, too, was congratulated for his efforts and was told that he was much needed and appreciated. On and on it went, each god speaking in turn, and each god being praised for his deeds and accomplishments.

Then came the turn for the god of living creatures to tell of his activities. As this god began to speak, the others noted a quivering in his voice. They immediately knew that some-thing was amiss. Frowns darkened their faces and pointed questions sprang from their lips.

Under this barrage the god of living creatures shrank and then admitted that he had been resting since their last meeting. In shame he told of how had done nothing good since last he'd seen them. Finally, in an effort to expiate himself, he lamely explained that he had also done nothing to harm those in his charge.

That was unacceptable. A deep murmur arose in the throats of those who listened. This was disgraceful, they agreed among themselves as they cast disapproving glances at the god of living creatures. Something must be done, and it must be done quickly, the others told themselves. Not only must this god be reprimanded, he must be forced to atone for his sloth. Upon unanimous vote of all those present, the offender was instructed to leave the meeting place. For an hour he was to wander in the garden, and while there he was to reflect upon his past and form a plan for the future. Moreover, he was told that upon his return he must at once perform some feat that would benefit every living thing.

With head bowed low the god of living creatures left the meeting place. As he slowly paced among the trees and flowers he realized that the others were right and he was wrong. His failure to perform his duties was a mark upon them all. He must never again allow such laziness to overcome him. And he must apologize to the others, he realized. With that resolved he began to think of what he might do that would be of benefit to every living thing. That would be difficult, he knew. His fellow gods had indeed asked for much in his act of repentance.

Perhaps not, he thought a few moments later. He knew exactly what to do. And it would be easy, he told himself as a smile crossed his face.

Upon returning to the meeting place he made his heartfelt apology to the others. Never again would this happen he told them truthfully. Again murmurs rose among them, but this time they were murmurs of approval, even though a few faces were still covered with a scowl.

Next he explained his plan to perform an act that would benefit every living thing. This time the sounds that arose were pleasant to his ear. They heartily approved. "Do it now," cried one of them.

The god of living creatures clapped his hands and the sound of rolling thunder filled that place. "It is done," he exclaimed.

At that very moment on the Earth, in a far off country called Yugoslavia, a beautiful baby girl was born. As the mother held her darling close, she looked toward the father. "Her name shall one day be called Mother Theresa," the wife said. "As she came into the world a beautiful voice whispered that to me. And it said that wherever goes our daughter, there, also, will go peace and tranquillity as well as compassion and love for every living thing."

The father smiled and nodded. So, too, did all the gods as they looked down upon that newborn creature on the Earth.