Once upon a time in the kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days.
Eventually, Michael the archangel found him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God. "Where have you been?" God took a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made!" Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance." "Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. "For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Southern Europe is going to be poor. Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people," God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot while this one will be very cold and covered in ice." The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a triangular land mass and said, "What is that one?" "Ah," said God. "That's India the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful beaches, mountains, streams, hills, waterfalls and vineyards. The people from India are going to be very beautiful, handsome, modest, intelligent and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world holding good jobs. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking and high-achieving and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace, play cricket and win world test matches. Even their wine will be appreciated and exported to far places." Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there would be balance!!!" God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the clowns that will run their government." -- With best wishes S Chander
