Squirrels are highly adept. I kid you not. This afternoon, I watched three squirrels frolicking around in our yard. They started in the meadow, high in the trees.
It is really amazing to watch. The way they leap and dive from branch to branch. Even the flimsiest of branches are worked into their scheme. Like watching little trapeze-artists in a make-shift circus. I admired them for a long time. Their skill, their deftness, their ability. So proficient in synchronicity. Flipping through thin air, and grabbing hold… at each right moment.
My first thought was, “Humans aren’t this adept.” And then I realized, “Of course we are.” It is just that different people are really good at different things. We all have our talents. Our gifts. Our incredible unique abilities. Albeit, most of us can’t dive from tree branch to tree branch.
But certain of us are geniuses at math, or cooking, sports, business, art, and so much more.
Suddenly, like a flash, it hit me. I wonder if certain squirrels are better at some things than other squirrels.
This is probably so. Take dogs for example. Some are excellent swimmers, or scent-ers, or hunters.
So it probably goes with squirrels. Quite possibly, there are expert tree climbers, nut-finders, car-swervers, and on. But what about the ones who aren’t so skilled. I can hear the conversation now.
“Hey Bob. How goes it?”
“Oh, just fine here. This winter hasn’t been bad so far.”
“Right you are Bob. Right you are. Hey. Have you seen Ted lately? I have not seen him all week.”
“Oh geez oh wheez, Phil. Didn’t you hear? He was WAY up in the Maple Top on Tuesday. The one up on the hill. Tried to pull a side-dive to lateral branch, and completely missed. He fell all the way to the ground.”
“Holy nutshells. Is he okay?”
“Poor schmuck. Busted his tail, and both front paws are broken. It wasn’t even windy that day. I’ll tell you Phil. That guy needs to stay out of the tall tops. He is a terrible climber. You’d think he’d learn. Now Peggy has to wait on him hand and foot.”
Clutzy Squirrels.
I guess it takes all kinds though. Humans, dogs, squirrels. Each of us are unique. Clearly.
And, what we do with this, is up to us.
I know a lot of people who are very good at this. They express their uniqueness with remarkable work. They create. They innovate. They are helpers. And joy-builders. Or wisdom-providers. Some are compassionate beyond measure. So many, with so many talents.
That’s you. And you.
I am so very grateful for these people in the world. For the ones I know, and don’t know. Thank you….. for making your positive difference in the world in ways that no-one else can.
And what a good way to start off a new year.
And while you are at it. Say a little squirrel-prayer for Ted. Clutzy Schmuck.
“Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.”
― Deepak Chopra
“Today is a new day. It’s a day you have never seen before and will never see again. Stop telling yourself the ‘same crap, different day’ lie! How many days has that lie stolen from you? Seize the wonder and uniqueness of today! Recognize that throughout this beautiful day, you have an incredible amount of opportunities to move your life into the direction you want it to go.”
― Steve Maraboli
Sneaky Squirrel. Sometimes, unique is what you make it.