The Beggar
Each moment brings something new. What is it? You alone know. You see it rising in your mind, taking a beggar’s form. It has no home. It drifts in, appealing to your better nature. Do you ignore it or take notice?
Too late! It’s yours. How easy that was to give a passing thought a home. Is it a thought you wish to share? Maybe not. It could be a secret too deep and dark to see the light of day.
No longer is this thought a homeless beggar. It is yours now. You made it so. You took it in instead of letting it go. Be cautious. It may haunt you if it scurries into the shadows, or it may seek light as a grime-encrusted gem ready to sparkle.
The gems are priceless. There is power in their beauty and strength in their splendor. Hold that thought up to the light to see if there is a gleam beneath the grime. But be wise. Some thoughts deceive. They simply glitter without value. Best to lay this one aside until tomorrow.
The ragged beggar appears more worthy in morning light. Dawn’s rays catch the splendor of the jewel’s beauty. Like a rising tide bringing treasure from the sea, the beggar places diamonds at your feet. Thoughts that drift into mind come up from an ocean of consciousness to grace you with passions and fears. The few that are gems often get stuck on the muddy shoals. When you find one, consider your gift cautiously in the open air.
The beggar might bring you happiness or maybe sorrow. It could cause pain or give pleasure. Is it a diamond in the rough, a gem to polish for all to behold, or an embarrassment to hide? Ask it, “Who are you, beggar, to arrive unannounced, knocking at the door that I may hear and let you in. Who do you think you are to enter my head where you now live without dying? What say you?”
“I say, I am a golden calf that worships stone tablets. Toss me into the burning bush and I will tell you tales of wandering in the desert. Adrift on an ark, I settled with you. Thank you for taking me in. You have healed me from transgressions and given me love where there is none. I came to know you and now you push me aside. You asked me in. At least say, hello.”
“Do not talk to me, beggar, of such nonsense. You wandered in. I could not throw you out. Indeed, I gave you comfort, but I did not know you. Now I have grown fond of you and wish you to stay, although I am afraid.” “Of what? Have I caused you harm? I am old and long traveled. I seek rest under the open skies. Do not return me to the depths from which I have risen. But treat me however you wish. I will return the same.”
“Alas, you rolled in on the rising tide and I kept you as my own. I put you with the others and now my head spins thinking that we are lovers with no recourse but to embrace. You are not the last, nor are you the best. Many more will come. I must not welcome all as I have you. What say you now?”
“I say, must I nag at you constantly or will you attend to me immediately?”
“Now and always, for the truth in you must be revealed. It no longer can remain hidden.”