“Peace” from: The Fruit of the Spirit, a collection of stories fro children (c1986) by Maryann Scheufele

“Peace” is from my collection and was recorded as a song by Hilltop Records of Hollywood, California sung by Rusty Stratton on  ”America” c1999.

C1986 Maryann Scheufele The Fruit of The Spirit a collection of stories for children

Peace

A garden was growing one bright, sunny day, with flowers arranged in the most colorful array.

Along came the gardener, with water to spray.  To water that garden he came every day.

The gardener was saddened when he heard the sounds of a little flower bending, with its’ face to the ground.  “I’m smaller than her and my stem is so blue.  I’m different and tiny, boo hoo, boo hoo hoo.”

The gardener said, “Honey, don’t cry about that.  Your distinguishing self is a matter of fact.  I knew you were different when I planted you there.  Your beauty’s delightsome.  None other’s so fair.”

But she did not hear him.  Her cry was so loud she began to disturb the rest of the crowd.  All of the flowers that once were standing there proud, began looking inward unveiling a cloud which surrounded the garden when the flowers all feared that they weren’t very pretty and that nobody cared.

When all of a sudden up from the ground, came an enormous noise.  It was a terrible sound.  When the sound settled down and they looked at the ground, a brown, rugged root is what they found.

“Now listen here, flowers.  I’ve got something to say.”  Said the root as they all listened without any delay.  “You’ve each got a job to perform in this garden.  Without everyone working the ground will just harden.  And then after that then nothing will grow.  So stand up tall and look to the sun.

Looking into yourself is not always fun. I’m only a root, but I know it’s a fact, that charm and grace are as simple as that.  I work all day long sucking water through my nose, just so that you flowers can stand tall and grow.  I know that my job is important indeed.  Stop thinking only of yourselves and your thoughts will be freed.”

After the flowers saw that the root was so bold, they stood straight and tall, just like they were told.  They saw that together they created a sight that was splendid to behold and the gardener’s delight.

Peace reigns in that garden today as the flowers all listen to what the gardener has to say,  “I’m here to feed you with my watering thing.  Each life brings some beauty none other can bring.  You shine to my glory each and every spring.”

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