God of Surprises

Did you know … God has a playful side?

If not, why would God have created

the sometimes-laughable diversity

in nature, animals, people?

Vast galaxies – miniscule cells,

prickly bushes – lamb’s ear plants

tiny violets – head-heavy sunflowers,

kohlrabi and star fruit.

Waddling ducks – long-necked giraffes,

stilt-legged cranes – ponderous hippos,

Swift gazelles – plodding snails

industrious ants and laid-back walrus.

Skin-shades – all colors, hues.

Tall – short; skinny – plump.

Pointy noses – double chins,

Muscular arms and spindly legs.

God of life’s surprises,

help us to cast aside feelings

of gloom and doom

to dwell on what brings joy and laughter.

God of serendipity,

give us light hearts and playful spirits,

penetrate our busy and oh, so serious lives

with more giggles, balloons, picnics, cartoons

and all that brings us joy and delight.

First published in the Summer 2015 issue of HOPE magazine.