“Cecil,” said a father one day to his fine boy,
“I will give you this orange if you can tell me where God is.”
He held the tempting fruit in his hand as he spoke; but the boy, instead of attempting to take it, appeared to deliberate for some moments. At last a look of great intelligence crossed his face, and he replied:
“And I, father, will buy you two oranges if you can tell me where God is not.”
The father was pleased, but not baffled. He had merely wished to develop the opening powers of his son’s mind, and to test his faith in the constant presence of God.
“Right, my boy!” he returned, “there is an Almighty Eye upon us, an Almighty Friend ever near and ready to help. When tempted to do wrong, say to yourself, ‘Thou God seest me!’ The great God, who fills all space and is everywhere present, will bend down to hear the prayer and observe the ways of a boy like you.”
Cecil was silent again, but as he walked thoughtfully away, revolved in his own mind the matter he had heard.
ML 05/09/1943