Ronnie
is a good friend and really something special, you could call him indomitable, a really bright guy. I have learned a lot from him. But, recently he apparently ran into some problems. Actually, he never acknowledged that times
were a little tough, he never even seems to notice… always undisturbed amid the sometimes
frightening situations he is in, he shines right through.
Life
had been unusually good for Ronnie, his life was bright and prosperous. Blessed
with a sunny disposition and warm heart he had always been a source of
inspiration to all those upon whom his light shone. He was a favorite at
the beach where he frequently hung out. And in the community he was a
wonderful, valued friend to farmers, gardeners, store owners, parents and
children.
But, last week we were all concerned that Ronnie had run into trouble. No one in town could find him. He was missing for several days and folks around here were all worried. Ronnie was the main topic of conversation, you could hear people at the grocery, the hardware store, and particularly at the Farmers’ Market in Blue Ridge, asking what in the world had happened to him. His entire family had suddenly disappeared and concern was even expressed on the TV evening news out of Atlanta.
But, not to worry!!! He did show up later in the week . Ronnie and the family burst onto the scene in a flash of brilliance, as usual. You see Ronnie's full name is Ronnie Ray, he is a ray of sunshine. YES!! Literally!
All the time that we had missed him, wondered and worried, sought him out, he had been busy. While the skies had been grey and gloomy for us,
I
love the thought of the sun’s rays, quietly about their task, shining, lighting
up the dark places, warming the soil, melting the snow and ice, shining on
birthday parties and parades, welcoming new arrivals to earth, helping the
farmers, and comforting those of advanced years who may be sitting on their
rocking chairs on the front porch, cherishing the warmth and the loving memories
of friends and family.
I
began to wonder, are we like those rays?
I have often thought of how much like the sun and its rays are God and
His precious ideas, His offspring, each one of us. We aren't little flesh stick figures, "of few
days, and full of trouble" as Job described man born
of woman.
Aren’t
we like rays of God’s goodness, similar to how the sun’s ray go out to bless
the earth? It helps me visualize how
God, Love is expressed in the human view.
As God’s individual “reflections”,
isn’t our job to “light up the dark places of sickness, disease and despair”? Aren’t we here to bring the message that Life
is eternal, that God is LOVE, to warm the hearts of those whom we touch, to brighten
the days of the sad and sorrowing, to bring light, joy and happiness, a feeling
of peace and well being to the world?
Thinking
of Ronnie Ray has helped me. He has made me realize that a real “heavenly ray” just
reflects the Sun, it doesn’t come down to tell us how good it is. It doesn’t try to convince us of its
importance, or why it is better than darkness, or even compare itself to the
other rays, it doesn’t have to be “The Greatest”! It
apparently doesn’t worry about how many are feeling it’s warmth or light, it isn’t concerned about where it ends up, doesn’t
know or care about the temperature of the earth or the surface it touches,
needs no medicine, no drugs or stimulants, is content just to shine. It
just shines, it’s just there, just BEING… being a sun ray.
Too,
the rays of the sun, like their brothers, the rain drops, land where they are
destined, humbly falling on the good and bad, never explaining or trying to
convince the world that they are the REAL rays or raindrops, that their theory,
creed or dogma is the right one, that
they were sent instead of some other less important ray or raindrop. They just “ray and raindrop”, blessing all by
doing what they were created to do.
In
her Bible companion textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,
Mary Baker Eddy has it: As a drop of water is one with the ocean, a ray of
light one with the sun, even so God and man, Father and son, are one in being. The
Scripture reads: “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.” SH 361
Man is not God, but like a ray of
light which comes from the sun, man, the outcome of God, reflects God. SH 250
Today is the day for each of us to emulate Ronnie!!! God provides the warmth, gentleness and the light, we just reflect.
With
apologies to the popular song from the Broadway play, "Annie", which includes the lines:
"The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
When I'm stuck with a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh
The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow"
6 comments:
Beautiful, Pat, and such a happy ending to your story. Tell Gail that I, too, as enchanted with the sun's rays. Lovely photos!
Sharon
Opps, "am" enchanted. Excuse the type. Thinking faster than I type.
Pat, I love this story of Ronnie Ray and the wonderful ideas of each of us, as rays of light, naturally, effortlessly, spreading forth God's beautiful, perfect, healing light of Life! Love it! Thanks!
Love, love, love. Ronnie would be proud of you good sir! Not only for reminding us that rays ALWAYS shine, but for your example in living your ever-shining ray of Love.
Thanks for the tears, KK. Love you!
Cheers to one of my favorite Rays. The one and only PMC! Thanks!
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