For years a huge piece of solid granite stood as a solitary sentinel in the valley riverbed. The river, fed by rains in the mountain range towering to the north, raged down the mountain in a powerful fury, carrying anything that got in its way – until it was forced to pay humble homage to the stone. The powerful river was forced to form 2 different branches as it met the solid strength of the gigantic stone. Where had the stone come from? Was it placed there by the gods? No one remembered the gigantic display of heavenly power that split the stone from the mountain peak many years before.

Many years of humiliating silence were slowly replaced by unrestrained pride as the giant stone noticed that it was the center of attention. Birds rested on it, expert mountain climbers had contests to see who could climb its smooth, rock face. Tourists thrilled to the various stories that told of its past. It was recognized as the guardian of the valley.

One day a small voice broke the silence of the river valley. It was dry season and no fierce river beat it its impenetrable sides. Looking around the stone could not see who dared to greet him – the guardian of the valley – without permission. Finally, a small grain of sand – indistinguishable from all the other small grains of sand left on the now, dry riverbed – said, “Over here, big guy!”

Frustrated by being disturbed, the giant stone looked in disgust at the pebble and asked, “Who are you? Why do you think you can disturb me? Do you think you are of any value to me or this valley?”

“Oh yes,” exclaimed the small grain of sand. “In fact, I am just as powerful as you – maybe even more powerful! You see those men over there, loading grains of sand like me into a truck? We will join together with cement to make buildings holding courts of justice, halls of presidents, homes for thousands of people, and even churches where our Creator God is worshiped. Oh yes, I am powerful! I can easily stop people from important business if I get into their shoes and cause a blister. I am mixed with paint to bring color to the world. O yes, I am just as powerful as you my big, silent, unimaginative friend.”

What are we teaching our children about pride, humility and value? Do we realize that each of us has his/her place and value?

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.