A tale I once heard of two men of the land
Who’s lives were defined by the toil of their hands.

Each man was beholden to God for increase.
So when the time came that the precious rain ceased,

Each fell to his knees and petitioned the Lord
To open the heavens and let the rains pour.

While one sat and looked to the skies for reprieve
The other arose and walked to the dry stream,

And pulled boards and built dams, again and again
Doing all he that knew to prepare for the rain.

So now in my life I consider this tale
Each time that I stumble or falter or fail.

For I know that the Lord all my prayers will sustain,
So long as I rise and prepare for the rain.

…Jeff Bresee