May I retell a winsome tale
A pal named Floyd told me?
“My days”, he claimed, “are seldom great”
“But always good, you see!”
He paused to wait
My doubt poured out, “You have no days
Upset by Murphy’s Law?”
Said Floyd, “I used to, but no more!”
“Why not?” I probed in awe
He took the floor
“For years I begged my Father, God
To make me kind and wise
To guide me in pursuit of Christ
To splice our hearts, His fire
To melt my ice”
“I lived a pleasant peasant life
Of children, wife and farming
One charming day I met a nun
Whose sunny smile was warm
Chock full of fun”
“Her sandaled feet and cloak of wool
Were fully back with crud
‘Good day to you, good day!’ I cried
Can’t lie; was clear as mud
What she replied”
‘Oh, thank you sir, for wishing good
But I cannot recall
A single day that I’d call ill
For Christians, after all
Can love God’s Will!’
“Oh Sister, how ought Christians live?
“Please share your thoughts!” I pleaded
“You radiate such joy, I see
Your peace seems undefeated
How could that be?”
She said, ‘By willing what God wills
Not one bad day can pass
When meat runs out, I bless His Name
Another chance to fast
On beans or grain’
‘When persecuted for that Name
His love I gladly reap (Mt. 5:12)
He gives me His own Cross to share
Partners finding wayward sheep
With work and prayer!’
‘If slowed by sleet or snowy banks
I thank Him for such beauties
When asked to cook or scrub or spin
I offer God these duties
For all our sins’
‘You see, all things- yes, all– that come
Flow first through loving Hands
He changes bad to greatest good
How could you learn His plan?
Remember this my friend:
Through loving prayer, and prayerful love, you would!’
“With tears I thanked her, heart a-tugged
She hugged me; made her way
Her swayful words remained within
Since then, not one ‘bad day’
Must say, I’ve had!”
Then Floyd stepped toward the door, and grinned
“Good day to you, my friend!
Today, tomorrow, and ever more
Good days that know no end!”
Then he closed that door
Yet Floyd had flung another door
Ajar in me to One
Whose ‘Midas touch’ turns all to grace
Whose Face is like the sun
Who for my soul prepares a place
That on a cross, He won
A Home where every sad disgrace
Erased will be…
Each way, shape or form of death
Undone
*****
This story is based on one from the short article, Uniformity with God’s Will by St. Alphonsus Liguori: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/uniformity-with-gods-will-12644
It’s also inspired by these scriptures:
God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose… Romans 8:28
Strict justice would require that God will provide relief to you who are sorely tried, as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels… -2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10
Rhymes for the Rejoiceful 