THE KEY

A tin round and deep, three-quarters full of buttons and curious things. It was not what I found that I was looking for - but still, it made me think. I found a key, small and tarnished plain and simple and of quite some age. However, this was a key of some importance, for without it, access would be prohibited.

My immediate thought was to bin it! For where would I find the lock, and would it be closed or open? In practical terms it’s most unlikely I will ever come across its partner, and then if I did and it were locked some destructive method would need to be found.

In our journey through life we pick up just about everything. We have an urge to pick up, inspect and collect all manner of things. Simple things like stones; bigger stones we just want to turn-over to see what's hiding underneath. We have a need to touch and feel things, to explore and learn, like a sponge we soak-up much more than we know.

But it's not just about possessions and a collection of shiny things, we pick up words and phrases to use again and again. There are mannerisms and attitudes, moods and parts we will play out on this enormous stage.

The more we collect the heavier the load, then we never quite know which part is the real me!  Life increases tenfold or more, if we are discerning as to what we pick up and what we keep. Understand the value of awareness, notice and respond to the things around you. To only walk in a way that brings life, to recognise and lay down that which we are carrying - that we know will only hinder. Then your road will be lighter, and your steps will have a spring. Listen to the Voice, it is the essential key.

Pearl

Mike English. New Hampshire.

There's a voice that is sweet and it's carried on the breeze,

and it whispers to me as it flows through the trees,

and it tells me of love that is greater than the world, a precious pearl.

All men have I am told in the bottom of their soul,

an empty room filled with Darkness that is very very cold,

and a lock that is steadfast and resists all man-made keys,

but was opened by the blood that our lord shed on Calvary.

Well he's waiting to come and fill that empty void within,

to give you healing and joy and release you from your sin,

well it's yours to make the choice and if you listen to that voice,

He has Conquered the world and he offers you life, a precious pearl.