THE GREAT RESPECT

The sun, the rain and the wind once held a contest to see for who man held the most love and respect. As man walked around on a rocky road down below the wind said, ‘All that man needs is a firm hand to put him in his place and teach him some respect for those above.’ So the wind blew hard in the man’s face and the gust ripped at his clothes. But in doing so the wind also stirred up a lot of dust and a big dust cloud soon covered him making him grimy with dirt and leaving him dusty. The man mumbled a soft curse under his breath and it was plain to see that he did not like the harsh wind much. ‘You are right,’ said the rain.' Man does need a firm hand but he also needs some caring help to speed him along his way.’ So the rain came down from above and soaked the man in water, washing away all the dirt and the grime. But it had also left him wet and cold and tired after the rain had stopped. It was plain to see that although the man was clean now he still was not pleased at all. He looked up above at the heavens with a scowl on his face and just shook his head in great dissatisfaction at the rain and the wind about him. ‘You are both wrong,’ said the sun. ‘What he needs to gain his respect and love is not strict discipline alone, but a warm and loving friend with a kind heart that is always there to help him.’ So the sun came out from behind the clouds and warmed the man soon leaving him clean and dry with a warm loving feeling all about. The sunshine had made him happy and he looked up at its bright warm rays of sunshine above and said ‘Bless Me.’ with a big smile of satisfaction on his face. The sun was the winner and he got all the love and attention from the man for the rest of the day. Love truly does make the world go round.