How to Hug a Porcupine

HOW TO HUG A PORCUPINE

It’s tricky hugging a porcupine.

Seldom does it turn out fine,

For he is protected with quills that sting

And cause the giver to yell and scream,

And leave the porcupine alone

without a friend to call his own.

No matter how prickly, he still needs a friend.

One who will like him through thick and thin.

Someone who is willing to be stung by a quill

Until the porcupine can learn to heal

From all of the rejection and misunderstanding

And receive a friend who is kind and not commanding.

If one is patient, consistent, and always there,

The porcupine will learn that you really care.

And he will let down his guarded stance

And gradually be willing to give you a chance.

The blessing received is a friend divine.

That is how you hug a porcupine.

All about Thyme

ALL ABOUT THYME

Using little leaves of Thyme can make a dish just right.

When this herb is placed in a spoon it is still very light;

for it’s like the measurement of time, and the main dish is the day.

 Each tiny leaf would be a second; if it was measured in that way.

She hugged and pulled upon my clothes.

I gently nudged her with my toes.

I’m busy cleaning up the dishes;

How can I answer all of her wishes?

I finally stopped and read a tiny little book,

And afterwards she danced off with an angelical look.

Sometimes it doesn’t seem worth the time

to eat together at the table;

But it will be worth every dime

to build family ties as strong as cables.

It isn’t so much about the food one eats.

It’s all about the company one keeps.

The dinner conversation may be about thyme,

and how the food doesn’t have enough.

It may focus on someone’s lack of time,

or how the bird is really tough.

Sometimes the conversation will turn;

And something important one will learn.

It won’t be about manners and flavors of dishes;

It will be about love, and dreams, and wishes.

We each have the desire to give special gifts…

something that will build and lift.

So instead of giving chocolates and flowers,

Let us consider giving seconds, or minutes, or hours.

May we share the gift of time,

For that is like seasoning our life with thyme.

Great things are brought to pass

Just the other day,
When I was feeling blue
A stranger passed my way
And kindly said, "That color sure looks good on you."
They were very simple words,
But my heart took flight with the birds.

It seemed to be a little thing
to say she really couldn't sing,
Or that she wasn't good at using ink;
But with every little sting;
I watched her spirit sink,
Until she seemed to think
She wasn't good at anything.

I felt that I should stop today
And say "hello" as I was passing by this way.
A few kind words and I left without knowing
My words had given you the strength to keep going.

I know I'm not exactly right
to try and pick a little fight.
What's so bad about a little shove,
And then acting as innocent as a dove?
It's "fun" to cause a little mischief,
But in the end it usually causes grief.

The biggest lie ever has to be,
"It won't hurt anyone else but me."
No matter how hard one may try to hide,
All of one's choices are seen in one's eyes.
A simple word, a tiny act, shows that one has chosen sides.

We each will falter now and again,
But the Savior is our greatest friend.
Through Him it is possible to change our ways
And serve our Father for the rest of our days.

And so, Dear Father, I meekly pray;
"Help me follow Thee throughout this day.
Bless my actions with goodness; small or grand,
So that someday in Thy presence I may stand.