Children
They are hilarious. They stumble through life like it's a moon bounce. Every step taken has the potential to send someone flying in the air. There is no consequence for a fall, just a fun attempt to get back up on their little feet.There is nothing that a sticker or a piece of candy can't fix. They hold no prejudice-only what their parents instill in them. Fights lead to friendships, and they see the beauty in creatures as small as ladybugs and snails. They have no expectations-aside from those surrounding their basic needs-being fed, having fun, and feeling loved.
Animals
They are the most forgiving creatures ever. You may slip up and forget to feed them or step on their tail, but they never abandon you. They've been blessed with a capacity of knowledge that lets them know when you really meant to hurt them, and when you simply weren't watching your step. Cats curl up in the oddest places and sleep, making do wherever they have to. Elephants and ants take care of their families-even going as far as carrying the dead to a comfortable resting place. Animals sometimes take babies of other species as their own.
Plants
Trees are sturdy and survive the harshest conditions. They weather storms and don't succomb to the loss of branches and leaves. Even smaller plants-like a simple daisy or tulip, survive through it all. Domesticated, they are at the mercy of us humans, depending on us for watering and food. Even with the careless know-it-alls, singing to plants and letting them watch TV-they manage to stretch until they reach the light. They find that sunlight that keeps them standing tall and looking beautiful. Wild ones sometimes sprout up in the strangest places-in sidewalk cracks and on the shores of toxic ponds. As small and delicate as many are, they have staying power in this world, and they own it.
If only we as adults could model after those smaller creatures. We are foolish in our attempts to get revenge and control. We trip and fall and stay down. We grumble over a smudged shoe, complain about an empty milk carton in the fridge, and stew when we don't get the last word. It is said that with age comes wisdom, but I think that wisdom brings bitterness and mile-high needs and desires. We tear down relationships over misunderstandings and wandering eyes.
In my store kids complain when they are ready to go, and they cry when their parents scold them for climbing shelves in search of new adventures. It's amazing how when I hand them Snoopy stickers, their moods suddenly change. They are content and amazed and grateful. If only stickers and hi-fives were enough to erase the damage done by simply growing older-the ones caused by realizing that you are naked and vulnerable, that someone doesn't agree with you, and by being forced to acknowledge those greater needs.
This all makes me think of evolution. Does evolution involve regression, or is it simply progress? We as humans may be advancing as far as technology, but other species have beat us as far as growth. We are killing each other, breaking bonds over things as silly as money, and turning a blind eye to those less fortunate. We may get physically stronger as we grow, but many of us fall on our faces everyday. We are at the top of the food chain, but many of us are prey to our own thoughts and silly decisions. Let's take lessons from the smaller and the weaker ones in this world. I think they've got it right...
Plants
Trees are sturdy and survive the harshest conditions. They weather storms and don't succomb to the loss of branches and leaves. Even smaller plants-like a simple daisy or tulip, survive through it all. Domesticated, they are at the mercy of us humans, depending on us for watering and food. Even with the careless know-it-alls, singing to plants and letting them watch TV-they manage to stretch until they reach the light. They find that sunlight that keeps them standing tall and looking beautiful. Wild ones sometimes sprout up in the strangest places-in sidewalk cracks and on the shores of toxic ponds. As small and delicate as many are, they have staying power in this world, and they own it.If only we as adults could model after those smaller creatures. We are foolish in our attempts to get revenge and control. We trip and fall and stay down. We grumble over a smudged shoe, complain about an empty milk carton in the fridge, and stew when we don't get the last word. It is said that with age comes wisdom, but I think that wisdom brings bitterness and mile-high needs and desires. We tear down relationships over misunderstandings and wandering eyes.
In my store kids complain when they are ready to go, and they cry when their parents scold them for climbing shelves in search of new adventures. It's amazing how when I hand them Snoopy stickers, their moods suddenly change. They are content and amazed and grateful. If only stickers and hi-fives were enough to erase the damage done by simply growing older-the ones caused by realizing that you are naked and vulnerable, that someone doesn't agree with you, and by being forced to acknowledge those greater needs.
This all makes me think of evolution. Does evolution involve regression, or is it simply progress? We as humans may be advancing as far as technology, but other species have beat us as far as growth. We are killing each other, breaking bonds over things as silly as money, and turning a blind eye to those less fortunate. We may get physically stronger as we grow, but many of us fall on our faces everyday. We are at the top of the food chain, but many of us are prey to our own thoughts and silly decisions. Let's take lessons from the smaller and the weaker ones in this world. I think they've got it right...
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