God And The Squirrel
the old man
was sitting on a bench
in the park
where he walked everyday
enjoying the peace
a young man came walking by and said
what a glorious day
yes it is the old man replied
the young man stopped in front of the bench
how do you see God today sir
he asked
the old man paused before saying
I see that squirrel over there
the young man
slowly turned to see the squirrel
then turning back he said
I see him as the great creator
the supreme being
the real commander and chief
he has given us
the boundless joy of this day
the squirrel asked the old man
no no sir the young guy said
I’m talking about God
not a silly squirrel
how do you know so much about God
the old man asked
I believe
and live by his word and his way
he tells us what to do and we obey
the young man said
so God tells you what to do huh the old man asked
did he tell you to stop and chat with me
not specifically the young man answered
but he’s given me direction
to spread his love and his word
hmm the old man said
where is the boss anyway
God is everywhere the young man said
we only see him in his great works
aah like a reclusive artist
or a dead one
the old man grinned
God is never visible as God
the younger man said
well I can see that squirrel
the old man said
his great work is finding food
God works in mysterious ways
you have to trust and have faith in him
he is watching over you
guiding you loving you the younger man said
is he watching over that squirrel
he loves every living creature
hmm the old man said
so God is a he
not a mortal he the young man said
what he looks like is irrelevant
he’s everywhere and everything
it isn’t like you can take a picture of him
so he’s like that squirrel
it doesn’t sit still long enough
for me to get a picture of it either
the old man chuckled
you can’t actually see God
you just know he’s there the young man said
so do you believe in Santa Claus
the old man asked
I did when I was a kid the young guy said
the Easter Bunny
the Tooth Fairy
yeah when I was little
a basket of candy
and a dollar for a tooth
said the young man
did you ever see any of them in person
the old man asked
no but I think I heard them
a few times
the younger man smiled
so why don’t you believe in Santa
and the Easter Bunny
and the Tooth Fairy now the old man asked
because I matured
got smarter and figured it out
they only exist in the minds of children
hmmm the old man said
but God is different
the young man said
how do you know he’s real
the old man asked
because I believe
the young man said
hmm the old guy said again
kind of like Santa the Bunny and the Fairy
it’s not the same the young man insisted
child minds accept those ideas
grown up minds understand more
some do some don’t the old man said
the Bible tells us how to live
and shows us the way
the younger man said
as if the Bible was proof of God
oh I’ve read that book
and books about Santa
and bunnies and fairies
but that doesn’t mean I believe it all
there are a lot of good books out there
I liked Moby Dick too the old man said
you’re not a believer
the young man said
I believe in myself and humankind in general
and I believe in the trees and clouds
and that squirrel
and I believe in kindness the old man said
that won’t get you to heaven sir
God is good God is great
open your heart to him
and you will be saved
the young man preached
well the old man said
none of us are going to be saved son
but if heaven gives you something to aim for
that’s up to you
then the old man wrestled a worn leather wallet
out of his back pocket
and pulled out a yellowed scrap of paper
and held it out for the young man
who squinted to see the faded writing
My Religion Is Kindness
the young man read out loud
this is my ticket the old man said
I’ve carried it with me
since I was about your age
and I try to live those words everyday
that’s not enough old man
you have to open your heart to God
the old man smiled
I like to open my heart and mind
to everything
if there is a God like you say
I’m already on his radar
he can figure out the rest he said
I’ll pray for you old man
the young man said
starting to walk away
save yourself son
said the old man
I think me and the squirrel
are going to just take our chances
—DL Madsen
