Teachable Moment

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”  ~ James Baldwin 

 

Life provides a multitude of teachable moments, both for ourselves and for those children we parent and/or mentor.  And of these moments, there are many that deal with handling different types of adversity.  Some of the toughest of these are trying to provide perspective to our children about those situations where adults who are supposed to be role models are acting -- well, like children.

 

Such a moment occurred this week when adults, who were organizing a horse show that attracts many children and teenagers,  decided to not allow certain children to attend because of a perceived disagreement with other adults.  The children, understandably disappointed, received a first hand example of how some adults can regress into childish pettiness.  This sad situation, however, turned into a  teachable moment, showing the children that regardless of how others act, those actions cannot take away from oneself and that one can rise above the actions of others. These momentary disappointments pave the way to far greater opportunities.

 

Out of this sad episode, came a shining opportunity to teach the next generation an early lesson in resilience and the grace that comes out of adversity. These wonderful kids, lesson learned, are happily preparing for their next show, where they will truly shine.

 

 

Selflessness

“Non nobis solum nati sumus.
(We are not born for ourselves alone.)”

~ Marcus Tullius Cicero On Duties 

 

One of the biggest things that owning an animal does for a us is to teach us selflessness.  Animals require constant care: feeding, bathing, grooming, exercising.  They get sick and need to be nursed back to health.  Animals require the gift of our time and our ability to observe and respond to their unspoken needs to ensure that they thrive and have a quality life.  In return for caring for our animals, we receive their loyal companionship and their unconditional love.  Horses are no exception and require a considerable investment of time.  For such a beautiful and majestic creature, they are surprisingly fragile.  For me, though, caring for River is a labor of love.

 

Growing up with animals as part of the family teaches children about selflessness.  Feeding and caring for a creature that relies solely on a human for its basic necessities is a powerful lesson in responsibility and of the gift of self that translates to how a child learns to relate to others in our human society.  And one is never too old to experience the powerful life lessons of caring for an animal.

As part of the larger world, as Cicero said so many centuries ago, we are not born to be an island unto ourselves.  We are meant to be active, engaged, and selfless members of a larger society. As we give to others (animals, strangers, co-workers, friends, family members), we also indirectly give right back to ourselves.  In fact, helping others has shown direct benefits to the giver's health!

So, today practice a little selflessness.  In helping others you will be helping yourself and making the world a better place -- one selfless act at a time.