"Years go by quickly," The Child said to
The Prophet.
"Why, Child, you were telling me a couple of days ago
that the year was going slowly. What makes you say that?"
"Because Mr. Whale seems older and my lily pad has
begun to droop a little."
"Child, change happens. It's a daily process you
can't stop. Just as seconds turn into minutes, and minutes into hours, and
hours into days, and days into weeks, and weeks into months, and months into
the year. Change is a valuable part of your journey."
"Wow, Prophet. Does that mean I've changed too?"
"Of course, Child. With every passing second, every
passing minute, every passing hour, every passing day, every passing week,
every passing month, every passing year you are changing and becoming more
wiser and beautiful."
"Oh, Prophet, I love the way you say things. But am I
really beautiful with every passing year?"
"My Dear Child, walking out your journey, dancing to
your music, has given you a glow that brings out your beauty."
"Even when I mess up?"
"Yes indeed, Child. That's part of the journey."
"So, my year has been good even with my mistakes?"
"No, Child. Your year has been excellent because of
those mistakes. If they hadn't been in your path, you wouldn't have obtained
that beautiful glow on your face."
The Child lay on the lily pad thinking while rubbing Mr.
Whale on his right side.
"If that's so, then I look forward to next year,
Prophet.
So is it, Child. I do too. Let's treasure each year as it
comes, and The Prophet began to sing softly in his baritone:
Should old
acquaintance be forgot,
And never
brought to mind?*
Shalom
Pat Garcia
*Auld Lang Syne. Robert Burns. 1788
