PARABLE OF THE WEIGHT OF HAPPINESS
Stories
PARSON'S PARABLES
"Let's get weighed and have our fortunes told," said Jean.
"Let me get weighed first," said Marie.
"I've got four pennies," said the mother, "so, all of you can get weighed."
"Let John be first. He weighs the most." said Dick.
"I weigh 145 pounds. That's wonderful. I bet I'll weigh 155 by football season," said John.
"You get on next, Dick."
"Gosh, I still only weigh 137 pounds and I've been that weight for over a year." Dick responded.
"Gee, I weigh 122 pounds," said Marie. "I'll have to reduce."
"And I weigh 115 pounds," said Jean.
"Is that good or bad?" asked John.
"I don't know," said Jean. "I'm happy and I feel good."
"I would like to weigh more," said Dick, "but I guess I'll have to be happy the way I am."
It is true that millions worry over their weight. Some wishing to lose and some wishing to gain with their health and happiness being marred or blessed by being nearer what insurance interests consider as a healthy standard.
When sorrow and anxiety is real, the weight of the problems at hand seems unbearable. When joy and success is at hand, then, no matter what the weight of the flesh, the human spirit moves us with buoyancy.
When we are happy, we not only are better able to carry our own load, but also we help others to lift their burdens.
Happiness has a very light weight and, if we remember the joy of a risen Lord, the promises of Christ, God's love for mankind, we have a real cause for happiness and good reason to bless others with our cheerfulness and contagious faith.
We do well to follow the psalmist, when he said, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Read Psalm 34:1, 2
PARABLE OF THE STONE AND YOUR SHOE
"Jim, I noticed you are limping. Did you injure yourself?" asked Bill.
"My foot began to hurt about twenty minutes ago, and I can hardly walk. I can't figure what happened," Jim replied.
"Let me see your foot a minute."
"Oh, I will look at it, when I get home."
"No, let me see it right now."
"Well, of all things," said Jim, "it was just a stone in my shoe. It has worn a little blister now. Thanks for making me take care of it right away." Jim limped off feeling much better.
There are many things in life that affect us spiritually in a similar way to the stone in a shoe. In a short time the misplaced object wears a blister that takes several days to heal and if uncared for may cause a dangerous infection.
People become offended so easily and so foolishly destroying a wholesome relationship with their family and friends or their church. To remove the stone at once and to give it no more importance than the stone, is often wise. Jesus said, "If you have aught against your brother, go and make it right with him. Forgive your brother not seven times but seventy times seven."
To maintain a sound outlook and write a happy story of life is not always easy, but it is always good. Even big things should not be allowed to destroy the love relationship which binds Christians together in the fellowship of God and little things have no place at all in minds filled with Christian faith and hearts filled with Christian love. World peace and Christian peace is not available through persons who are upset and a stone in the shoe of the spirit is present. Walk therefore, with your feet shod in the healthy protection of the shoes of greatness.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."
Ephesians 6:13, 14, 15
PARABLE OF THE LONELY WHEEL
"Dad," said John, "What are you going to do with that wheel in the basement? Can I make something with it?"
"That's an expensive rubber-tired wheel," said the father. "It is worth $15. You can't make something junky with that expensive an item."
"I know," said the boy. "But you have had it for three years and it's doing no good just setting there."
"I intended to make several things with that wheel, but never got to it and it just didn't fit the place for which I bought it."
"Then I'll use it," said the son. "Thanks."
No matter how expensive the wheel may be, if it doesn't fit, it renders little service. There are many persons who would be big wheels or little wheels in worthwhile organizations; but if they do not join, or they do not fit, the service they could have rendered is lost.
There are many fine people who could perform countless noble deeds and who are intended under God for good purposes who let their lives get lost in uselessness. Petty excuses and foolish offenses stand between them and the greatness of God's work.
God does not intend that any of his children should be lost, but human selfishness often stands as a barrier between joyful, fruitful lives and aimless living.
Read St. Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
"SAINTS ANNONYMOUS"
A lovely gift was at my door,
When I came home today;
And with it "Kindest Wishes"
Were sent for Christmas Day.
I do not know the sender,
He failed to sign His name;
But still, it 'roused the sweetest thoughts
"With blessings in Christ's Name".
The hands of countless sinners,
Now cleansed and in His fold,
Are daily serving Jesus
With deeds that go untold.
And every day throughout the year,
Each one in every seven,
Mankind receives God's precious gifts,
Through Him God sent from Heaven.
And thus the Blessed Birthday,
Is honored 'round the earth;
Because the angels long ago,
Proclaim the Savior's birth.
Our lives are filled with blessings,
Hard won for all of us,
We know not what Saints gave them,
For they're anonymous.
Scripture: St. Luke 2:10, 11 "And the angel said unto them, rear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, ihich shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in he city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
PARABLE OF LOVE AND FEAR
Two sons went home to mother,
For visits year by year.
The one came out of faithful love,
The other came through fear.
The first had always cherished,
His mother's sweet devotion.
Her kindly understanding ways,
Her tender sweet emotion.
The second saw his parent's power
To punish and correct.
His mother always chastened him,
His full life to direct
He came through duty and through fear
To hold his heritage.
He sensed the power of her will
The passion of her rage.
One mother said, "Don't come to me,
Unless you love me truly."
The other said, "You come or else,
You'll find my ire unruly."
The first son said,"I gladly come,
It is my joy and pleasure."
The second said, "Alright, I must,
I would not lose the treasure."
The Christian mother to our souls
Is God's great Church alive!
The Spirit of a loving God
Who makes His own to thrive.
The Church may call Her own to come
In love's sincere devotion;
Or She may threaten some to bow
Cowed down by fear's deep potion.
Choose as you will the path to find
The Way to Life Eternal,
But seek out your Salvations's Lord
And shun the way infernal.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God."
I John4:l, 2
SEEDS OF HAPPINESS
"I am going to be a mighty oak tree,"
Said the acorn in courage strong.
"My life will be through a maple tree,"
Said the seed that fluttered along.
"The world will delight in my creative might,"
Said the apple seed, brown in its pride.
And hazelnut spoke, "I'll be nuts,
No joke and go on some squirrely ride."
"I'll be what I'll be," says the seed of each tree
"For the Creator has plans for my life."
But each man most of all may answer God's call,
Or choose his own world full of strife.
For the Master has planned let each one understand
That man who may show
Forth God's love with a glow
Of God's love and God's life 'tis our duty.
"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in corruption; And as we have borne the image of the earth, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
I Corinthians 15:41, 42, 49
"Let me get weighed first," said Marie.
"I've got four pennies," said the mother, "so, all of you can get weighed."
"Let John be first. He weighs the most." said Dick.
"I weigh 145 pounds. That's wonderful. I bet I'll weigh 155 by football season," said John.
"You get on next, Dick."
"Gosh, I still only weigh 137 pounds and I've been that weight for over a year." Dick responded.
"Gee, I weigh 122 pounds," said Marie. "I'll have to reduce."
"And I weigh 115 pounds," said Jean.
"Is that good or bad?" asked John.
"I don't know," said Jean. "I'm happy and I feel good."
"I would like to weigh more," said Dick, "but I guess I'll have to be happy the way I am."
It is true that millions worry over their weight. Some wishing to lose and some wishing to gain with their health and happiness being marred or blessed by being nearer what insurance interests consider as a healthy standard.
When sorrow and anxiety is real, the weight of the problems at hand seems unbearable. When joy and success is at hand, then, no matter what the weight of the flesh, the human spirit moves us with buoyancy.
When we are happy, we not only are better able to carry our own load, but also we help others to lift their burdens.
Happiness has a very light weight and, if we remember the joy of a risen Lord, the promises of Christ, God's love for mankind, we have a real cause for happiness and good reason to bless others with our cheerfulness and contagious faith.
We do well to follow the psalmist, when he said, "I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Read Psalm 34:1, 2
PARABLE OF THE STONE AND YOUR SHOE
"Jim, I noticed you are limping. Did you injure yourself?" asked Bill.
"My foot began to hurt about twenty minutes ago, and I can hardly walk. I can't figure what happened," Jim replied.
"Let me see your foot a minute."
"Oh, I will look at it, when I get home."
"No, let me see it right now."
"Well, of all things," said Jim, "it was just a stone in my shoe. It has worn a little blister now. Thanks for making me take care of it right away." Jim limped off feeling much better.
There are many things in life that affect us spiritually in a similar way to the stone in a shoe. In a short time the misplaced object wears a blister that takes several days to heal and if uncared for may cause a dangerous infection.
People become offended so easily and so foolishly destroying a wholesome relationship with their family and friends or their church. To remove the stone at once and to give it no more importance than the stone, is often wise. Jesus said, "If you have aught against your brother, go and make it right with him. Forgive your brother not seven times but seventy times seven."
To maintain a sound outlook and write a happy story of life is not always easy, but it is always good. Even big things should not be allowed to destroy the love relationship which binds Christians together in the fellowship of God and little things have no place at all in minds filled with Christian faith and hearts filled with Christian love. World peace and Christian peace is not available through persons who are upset and a stone in the shoe of the spirit is present. Walk therefore, with your feet shod in the healthy protection of the shoes of greatness.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."
Ephesians 6:13, 14, 15
PARABLE OF THE LONELY WHEEL
"Dad," said John, "What are you going to do with that wheel in the basement? Can I make something with it?"
"That's an expensive rubber-tired wheel," said the father. "It is worth $15. You can't make something junky with that expensive an item."
"I know," said the boy. "But you have had it for three years and it's doing no good just setting there."
"I intended to make several things with that wheel, but never got to it and it just didn't fit the place for which I bought it."
"Then I'll use it," said the son. "Thanks."
No matter how expensive the wheel may be, if it doesn't fit, it renders little service. There are many persons who would be big wheels or little wheels in worthwhile organizations; but if they do not join, or they do not fit, the service they could have rendered is lost.
There are many fine people who could perform countless noble deeds and who are intended under God for good purposes who let their lives get lost in uselessness. Petty excuses and foolish offenses stand between them and the greatness of God's work.
God does not intend that any of his children should be lost, but human selfishness often stands as a barrier between joyful, fruitful lives and aimless living.
Read St. Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
"SAINTS ANNONYMOUS"
A lovely gift was at my door,
When I came home today;
And with it "Kindest Wishes"
Were sent for Christmas Day.
I do not know the sender,
He failed to sign His name;
But still, it 'roused the sweetest thoughts
"With blessings in Christ's Name".
The hands of countless sinners,
Now cleansed and in His fold,
Are daily serving Jesus
With deeds that go untold.
And every day throughout the year,
Each one in every seven,
Mankind receives God's precious gifts,
Through Him God sent from Heaven.
And thus the Blessed Birthday,
Is honored 'round the earth;
Because the angels long ago,
Proclaim the Savior's birth.
Our lives are filled with blessings,
Hard won for all of us,
We know not what Saints gave them,
For they're anonymous.
Scripture: St. Luke 2:10, 11 "And the angel said unto them, rear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, ihich shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in he city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
PARABLE OF LOVE AND FEAR
Two sons went home to mother,
For visits year by year.
The one came out of faithful love,
The other came through fear.
The first had always cherished,
His mother's sweet devotion.
Her kindly understanding ways,
Her tender sweet emotion.
The second saw his parent's power
To punish and correct.
His mother always chastened him,
His full life to direct
He came through duty and through fear
To hold his heritage.
He sensed the power of her will
The passion of her rage.
One mother said, "Don't come to me,
Unless you love me truly."
The other said, "You come or else,
You'll find my ire unruly."
The first son said,"I gladly come,
It is my joy and pleasure."
The second said, "Alright, I must,
I would not lose the treasure."
The Christian mother to our souls
Is God's great Church alive!
The Spirit of a loving God
Who makes His own to thrive.
The Church may call Her own to come
In love's sincere devotion;
Or She may threaten some to bow
Cowed down by fear's deep potion.
Choose as you will the path to find
The Way to Life Eternal,
But seek out your Salvations's Lord
And shun the way infernal.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God."
I John4:l, 2
SEEDS OF HAPPINESS
"I am going to be a mighty oak tree,"
Said the acorn in courage strong.
"My life will be through a maple tree,"
Said the seed that fluttered along.
"The world will delight in my creative might,"
Said the apple seed, brown in its pride.
And hazelnut spoke, "I'll be nuts,
No joke and go on some squirrely ride."
"I'll be what I'll be," says the seed of each tree
"For the Creator has plans for my life."
But each man most of all may answer God's call,
Or choose his own world full of strife.
For the Master has planned let each one understand
That man who may show
Forth God's love with a glow
Of God's love and God's life 'tis our duty.
"There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in corruption; And as we have borne the image of the earth, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly."
I Corinthians 15:41, 42, 49
