Reflecting on the habits of snapping turtles:)

WolffEarl

Last week, in a post, I reflected in the tenacious nature of weeds found in our gardens, their never they die attitude, how they send roots of hope deep so that they never may be eradicated, wishing that the hope that we carry could be a bit like that. Well, this morning, as I was cycling through the country side I came across some snapping turtles and it made me think.
For those of you not familiar with these snapping turtles (aptly named for their powerful jaws that can easily snap your finger off) let me explain. Many of these turtles (esp. the females) tend to cross roads this time of year, stubbornly pursuing some dream of getting, just like the proverbial chicken, to the other side.
Something on that other side lures them out of the safety of the lake or the ditches, out into the open to brave the dangers of a fast moving car, an over curious dog and numerous other dangers. Now as we all know, turtles are not known for their speed, inching their way forward, but nevertheless making inexorable progress nonetheless. As circumstance will have it, some well meaning motorist (or cyclist:) will invariable stop, lift the turtle and return it to the side it came from, back into the ditch or the lake by the road side. As we drive/cycle on, well content in having done our good deed for the day, we might chance to glance back and see that same turtle slowly climbing up the embankment once more. And in this lies the point at would like to make today.
Imagine you are that turtle and you are striving to get to the other side, the side where health and fitness live, out of the lake that might have looked good to you at one time but really is a place of fast food, health problems and little activity, just splashing in comfort all day. But at last, you dare to break away and enter the road. Your progress will be slow, someone (or even you yourself) will try to derail you and put you right back where you started (I certainly have read my share of "I fell of the wagon and now want to give up" blogs here). Your fellow human beings might want you to return to the easy land of fast foods and lethargy, tempt you with cakes, convenience foods, etc. At that moment consider our turtle. Like that turtle, stubbornly, ever hopeful and with clear purpose in mind, turn right around and head for the other side. If a turtle can do it certainly so can you. WE can easily beat a turtle in speed, in jumping distance, in strength but can we match it for sheer single minded pursuit of a better life? So do not let the vagaries of life and circumstance deter you. Be the turtle! Sometimes you hunker down, your movement forward slow but inevitable nonetheless. Be well.

Hananiah

Well stated!

rissyroo2002

Love this!

CassieLEO

I love this too!! AMazing!!