Ring-around-the-Rosie

After needed rain came down,

soaking into the ground,

one moonlit night

when it was bright

surprise visitors came

to play once again.

These visitors do not come out to play

on days when the sun shines bright, no way.

They only came after showers of rain

poured down on the valleys and mountains.

They only come when everyone is sleeping inside

sung asleep by the lullaby of rain outside.

These visitors had a midnight party with dancing

and they played ring-around-the-rosie, chanting,

as they frolicked in the grass

until the clock struck half past,

then they were magically gone;

that is, until the next rain storm.

How do you know they came?

What gives them away again?

They quickly leave when morning comes,

but they leave behind white mushrooms

in a ring-around-the-rosie seen in the lawn

that you’ll see when the new day’s morning becomes dawn.

Who dances at night

under the moonlight?

Though quite contrary,

it’s the fairies.

Even if you look quick

you won’t see them, they’re magic.

Next time you see mushrooms in your yard,

you’ll know fairies came after it rained hard.

Though you won’t hear them singing in the rain,

you might start to sing a little refrain

of “Singing in the Rain”

and thank God for sending rain.

* * * * *

Do you think God has a sense of humor?

Is that why fairy rings develop or

does God desire that we laugh

and sing and dance and frolic?

Don’t let the burdens of life weigh you down.

Wear a smile. Get rid of those frowns.

Let laughter replace any stored up bitterness

and happiness take the place of sadness.

Don’t let ill will come in to dwell.

Eliminate it so you’ll feel well.

You’ll even feel lighter when you let go

of what causes you sorrow and woe.

Cast any burdens.

Let your heart be open

to the good things God has planned

for God does have a good plan.

The One enthroned in heaven laughs.

Psalm 2:4

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Psalm 126:2

Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

I Peter 5:7

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

The oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

Isaiah 61:3