On the southern fork of...
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On the southern fork of Long Island's east end, real estate is of great value. Two fathers understood this, but in differing ways. The first father held title to a vast estate which fronted the Atlantic Ocean, an estate graced with flowered dunes on the seaside and shaded lawn and sunlit gardens on the inland side. Long years of planning and labor had gone into the creation of this estate, and the first father worried constantly that his children would not appreciate or properly care for the grounds on which he had worked so laboriously. This father feared his offspring would use the property for nothing more than a playground for the rich. Such fear and worry caused many a sleepless night for the first father. The other father held no title to the land on which he lived, and shared his home with his parents as well as his children. This father was grateful for the wildflowers that grew in the common fields, and the deer and other wildlife with which he shared the land. This father was a Native American, and the land on which he lived was held in trust by the Shinnecock Indians from generation to generation. This father found enjoyment in the land and sea and sky, and prayed that God would grant him opportunity to share that enjoyment and gratitude with his children and grandchildren. This father slept well at night, and greeted the dawn with thanksgiving. Which father do you think was "chasing after wind"? Which father do you think was pleasing God? -- Saxon
