Washington State

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found
him, resting on the seventh day.

He inquired, 'Where have you been?'

God smiled deeply 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 place to test Balance.'

'Balance?' inquired Michael, 'I'm 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 here I've placed a continent
of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance
in all things.'

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 land area and
said, 'What's that one?'

'That's Washington State, the most glorious place on earth. There are
beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and
plains. The people from Washington State are going to be handsome,
modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the
world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving and
they will be known throughout the world as diplomats, carriers of
peace, and producers of software.'

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, 'But what
about balance, God? You said there would be balance.'

God smiled, 'There is another Washington. Wait till you see the
idiots I put there.'