Once upon a time a man was walking through the woods when he realized he was being followed by a huge grizzly bear. Terrified, the man started to run and - of course - the bear started to run after him.
"Oh God!" cried the man, "oh God, oh God ....!"
Suddenly a voice boomed across the sky:-
"You call for me ? You are not and never have been a believer in any kind of god, and yet - now, in your hour of need - you call for me ?!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!!" screeched the man. The bear was rapidly gaining. There were no trees to climb, no where to hide. "I'm sorry! Save me! I'll be a Christian !"
"Humph!" replied the booming voice, "that's easy to say."
"I will I will !! I'll go to church every day - EVERY DAY!"
"no, sorry, it is not as simple as that .... It is all very well your suddenly wanting to be a Christian now that you are going to die."
The bear was now just a foot or two behind. The man was beside himself with terror.
"God, if you won't let me be a Christian, please at least make the bear a Christian ........?!!"
"Ah, yes, that I can do," said the booming voice.
The bear leapt upon the man and opened his huge jaws. Suddenly the bear stopped, sat back on his haunches and looked up at the sky. It appeared to be listening, nodded, lowered its head, closed its eyes, put its paws together and said:
"Lord, for what I am about to receive I thank you ...."
Catherine Broughton
turquoisemoon co uk