Once in a blue moon in the depths of the forest, perched on a limb that had survived many stormy nights was an owl with great wisdom. The owl was so wise that many of the creatures of the forest came to him for wisdom and counsel. Many animals and even the tiniest of insects had been helped by the knowledge and understanding of the great wise owl.
Sometimes in the darkness of the night the owl perched on his favorite limb to just be still and listen. He could hear the slither of a snake and in a distance could hear the movement of a deer. Ever so slowly, as if time stood still the movement of a turtle could be heard.
Over the years a time had been set aside for the inhabitants of the forest who where seeking counsel could come to meet with the owl. After giving counsel and having a meal the owl would often think upon things he did not yet comprehend. There was one creature that the owl could never quite understand no matter how much knowledge he acquired.
Often the owl thought to himself that he would give all of his knowledge of the creatures of the forest to be able to understand the complexity of human behavior. Questions flooded his mind that he would love to ask a human. What makes makes people do what they do? Why do some not learn from their mistakes? How is it that two people in the same situation react in different ways? The ways of humans was just too complicated despite the wisdom of the wise old owl.
The owl knew of a simple man who had learned a trade and for years worked hard at his job and helping to raise his children. The simple man was well respected in his community and liked his life treating others the way he would want to be treated. Even when this man was taken advantage of he had rarely, if ever reacted in a way that he later regretted. This simple man seemed happy and content with his life, even through the times of trouble.
Another man the owl knew of was one who most called shrewd. This man knew how to beat the system in all he did. He took every opportunity to travel and see the world and make a quick deal even if a little dishonesty was involved. There were trials and trouble that came the shrewd man’s way, but they never seemed to phase this man. He didn’t seem to care what come his way as long as he came out with something for himself. The owl could not understand why this man was so cunning. The ways of the human was just too complex for the mind of the owl.
There were so many more situations that ran through the mind of the owl. Do humans fear the unknown and scared of change? Do they take every opportunity to better themselves? Why do some care for their families and some do not? Why do some who have plenty never give to those who have not? How do those who have suffered great tragedies survive? Why do some seek solace in addictions that only bring greater pain? How can someone know they are doing wrong and not change? These and other questions were like a whirlwind in the mind of the owl, as he sat still in the darkness of the night and listened. Once in a blue moon the owl could hear his Creator whisper that for humans life is the sum of the choices they make.
Originally Written August 2, 2000
~TRS
Rays of Hope 