Finnar and Sami were what you might call “fast friends.” Well, I certainly would anyway. Because that’s an old and established way to describe a solid friendship built on mutual trust.
And only a solid friendship could have done what they did.
Keep in mind, now, every word you’re about to read is based on hand-me-down information. So, you know what that means. Yep. Rock-solid data with no room for mistakes.
OK, imagine, if you will (and you will because you can) ships full of Vikings. Can you see them? Good. Now, imagine the bluest, greenest, coolest, cleanest lights in the world. The Aurora Borealis. Yes, there you go. See ’em flicker and dance in the North sky? Like the light of God’s love.
Finnar and Sami saw those same lights, as they jumped onto the shore of Finnmork. And they were instantly hypnotized. And I mean actually hypnotized. Neither one of them could move a muscle. And none of their shipmates could even move them. In fact, the only parts that moved, on Finnar and Sami, were their eyes.
And their eyes followed each flickering dance of the lights of the Aurora Borealis. Sort of like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.
Only quicker.
Alright, here’s where the story gets a little blurry. Because some say Finnar and Sami never moved again. And they say the two of them eventually petrified into stony statues. But others tell another tale. And I tend to believe those others because they’re the older, wiser ones. THEY say Finnar and Sami were rescued by Angels of Light.
Apparently, the Angels of Light flew down and hovered just in front of Finnar and Sami’s faces and gently placed their hands over their eyes. And, as fate (or something even better) would have it, Finnar and Sami were immediately released from their hypnotic trance.
And, at the exact time, the Angels of Light disappeared.
The rest of the crew, and the crowd from town, cheered. And the two men were totally surprised by that reaction. Because they didn’t even realize they had been hypnotized.
I’m telling you, it was the craziest thing. Sadly, no one thought to record any of it on their phones or tablets. But don’t think too badly of them. Because those devices weren’t invented yet.
But that story was passed down for generations.
And everyone kept their own version of the story in their own hearts. That way they could explain to kids and grandkids how their beautiful homeland was named.
And, to this day, Finland is a place of beauty and wonder. With a positive reputation. The Northern Lights shine as brightly there as they ever did. In fact, if you get a chance to visit, be careful not to stare into them. You don’t want to end up like Finnar and Sami. Unless you enjoy a solid friendship with someone who’ll help you get free.
I’m just kiddin’. If you ever go there, stare as long as you like. And you could even enjoy some wonderful conversations, rhymes, and reasons, in the background, as you do. Because I received a very interesting email about your ol’ buddy, Tony. It said:
“I have some cool information that might interest you. Your podcast Rhyme and Reason with Tony Funderburk has good performance in Apple Podcasts rankings (last 30 days):
- Position 68 in the category Christianity (Finland)
- Position 164 in the category Religion & Spirituality (Finland)”
That was from a podcast monitoring service. And they send out notices when your podcast does well. So, who would’ve guessed. My Rhyme and Reason is enjoyed in the land of Finnar and Sami.
It all reminds me of a rhyme I wrote to go with a beautiful picture of the Northern Lights.
When Angels Sing
When angels sing from Finland skies,
Aurora Borealis eyes
Perceive a glass kaleidoscope
Of crystal lights lit up by Hope.
The angels send a message through
The frozen night of opaque blue
And bid the world to come behold
This place of peace, this crown of gold.
So, if you hear a rustling wing,
Be set to go when angels sing. © 2022
As you call it a day, today, be sure to thank the good Lord for angels, beautiful lights and colors, and most of all for Faith, Hope, and Love.
Then, jump on the The FunderFlash. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.
Stay tuned…
