The gift of the Gods
It was a warm summer day when the gods placed it
in her hands. She trembled with a strange emotion as
she saw how fragile it appeared. This was a very
special gift the gods were entrusting to her. A gift
that would one day belong to the world. Until then,
they instructed her, she was to be its guardian and protector. The woman said
she understood and reverently took it home, determined to live up to the faith
the gods had placed in her.
At first, she barely let it out of her sight, protecting it from anything she
perceived to be harmful to its well-being; watching with fear in her heart
when it was exposed to the environment outside of the sheltered cocoon she
had formed around it. But the woman began to realize that she could not
shelter it forever. It needed to learn to survive the harsh elements in order to
grow strong. So with gentle care she gave it more space to grow… enough to
allow it to grow wild and untamed.
One day, she became aware of how much the gift had changed. It not longer
had a look of vulnerability about it. Now it seemed to glow with strength and
steadiness, almost as if it were developing a power within. Month after
month she watched as it became stronger and more powerful. She knew deep
within her heart that her time with the gift was nearing an end.
The inevitable day arrived when the gods came to take the gift and present it
to the world. The woman felt a deep sadness, for she would miss its constant
presence in her life. With heartfelt gratitude she thanked the gods for
allowing her the privilege of watching over the precious gift for so many
years. Straightening her shoulders, she stood proud, knowing that it was,
indeed, a very special gift. One that would add to the beauty and essence of
the world around it. And the mother let her child go.
- Renee R. Vroman
