Historical setting: 6th Century C.E. Somewhere in the Pyrenees
Nic explains his amazing good fortune. “I went across the river to the snowy side of the valley. I was reaching for a stick for the fire which I had seen from the other side, when I caught a glimpse of something on the move. It was clearly a rabbit, a rabbit sliding on its side moving in jolts and jots, then still, not even perking ears toward me, but leaving a trail of red on the snow. I went closer to it, and still I wasn’t noticed. Then I realized this large and meaty rabbit is being dragged by its small captor — a weasel. It was hard to notice the weasel against the snow, nearly all in its winter white. The ermine was so much smaller than its prey it took all of its might and power to haul the large rabbit toward the opening of its den. So intent it was on keeping such a big prize for itself that it never even noticed a man the size of a tree watching it all happen. That weasel completely overlooked this giant human casting a monster’s shadow so I drew my sword. I collected that little white ermine fur with hardly a blade mark at the neck.”
“I guess, Brother Laz, there is a lesson from the weasel for us all to heed. Let’s not become so wrapped in our riches we forget to take notice of the world around us.
“So likewise, I was reminded that God’s priorities are not material wealth when I heard the farmer say that all my Roman coins, my lifelong work, is meaningless to those who don’t also trade in coin. I mean, think of it. Material wealth is null if the market has no imagination for it.”
Dear God thank you for a wide view. Though our prayer aloud was “Thank you God, for this food that is enough for both of us this night. Amen.”
Yes, the rabbit is plenty for us. And I have yet to eat a weasel. Hopefully I never will try that.
It was a good night’s rest, and this new day comes with the north wind surging through our valley. We ready the horses and pack up to start headlong into the winter’s wind.
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 