| SMOOTH STONES
Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Revelation 22:1 One of the earliest Sunday school stories I recall hearing is the one about David and Goliath. David was a shepherd boy who came up against the gigantic warrior, Goliath, and with just a slingshot and a few little stones. What a hero! He zapped the enemy in one fell blow, straight to the head. Here's the story, from the Bible (17th chapter of 1st Samuel): "Then he took his (shepherd's) staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand... David said to the Philistine(giant), 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ... This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down... All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.' ... Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. So David triumphed ... without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him." The stones David selected were smooth; not big, heavy boulders. Small stones that had been continually washed by the river waters. They were more fit for use against the enemy than rougher, larger, more rugged stones. David knew. He had spent a lot of time outdoors, by himself, taking care of the flocks of sheep for his father. He'd had plenty of time to practice with his slingshot. He knew how to use it. In our journeys, as we are constantly washed by the waters of life, we too become more smooth; more fit to be used. As I was thinking of this, I coudn't help but think that it would be good for me to quit struggling so often, and to just go with the flow. Smooth stones are good. -------------------------------------------
Sally I. Kennedy, ©2005, Author of "52 Little Parables from Ireland" (Creation House Press) and "Words from the Heart" http://www.sallyikennedy.com PRAYER "Lord, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with your love that nothing may make me lose my temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter towards anyone."
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