I Want to be a Cloud

"I was wondering God, if when I die, just after my earthly body gives into your call, instead of going to Heaven could you let me be a cloud?"

"Hmmm," God said. "Why would you ever want to be a cloud? They block the sun. They rain on picnics and parades."

"Forgive me, God. I don't mean that kind of cloud. I want to be one of those big, puffy clouds. You know the kind of cloud that makes people stop and point. The kind of cloud that takes your breath away when you first see it."

"Oh, I see," replied God.

"I want to begin somewhere and travel as far as I can. I want to bring comfort to those who need protection. I want to dance across the horizon at the very edge of a young couples view of the ocean. I want make them smile.

I want to be a part of an artist's view of the world.

I want to be captured in a photograph and when viewed I want people to long for such a moment in their lives, too.

I want to reflect the sunlight at dawn and light up with the hues of autumn on a crisp cold day."

"I see," God said softly.

"Please, God, don't let this life be the end of it all.

I want to finally know that people will look up to me."

"The end? I suggest that you don't wait until the end.

Why not live your life so that you accomplish all of that while you are alive?" Said God.

"How?"

"Begin right where you are. Travel as far as your mind can imagine. Bring comfort to those who need it.

Dance along the shore to the music of the ocean.

Make memories so that in the Autumn of your life you will be a reflection of a life well lived to warm your heart on the coldest of days," said God.

And so I have lived that way for as long as I can remember.

I am a cloud on the way to Heaven. What do you want to be?

J Bob Perks 2believe@comcast.net

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