Deference: A Lesson from the Zoo

Good day, dear reader. Today, I’d like to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me a valuable lesson about deference. It’s a tale that takes place in an unlikely setting – a zoo.

The Day at the Zoo

Many moons ago, when my grandchildren were just wee lads and lasses, we decided to spend a sunny afternoon at the local zoo. The excitement was palpable as we entered the gates, the air filled with the exotic sounds of animals from far-off lands.

The Majestic Elephant

Our journey led us to the elephant enclosure, where a magnificent creature named Bala resided. Bala was a sight to behold, her towering presence commanding respect and awe.

As we watched Bala, a zookeeper arrived to feed her. This man, though much smaller than Bala, approached her with a calm confidence. He showed no fear, but also no arrogance. Instead, he approached Bala with deference, acknowledging her strength and power, yet also her gentleness and wisdom.

The Lesson Learned

Watching this interaction, I realized the importance of deference in our lives. Deference is not about fear or submission, but about acknowledging and respecting the strengths and abilities of others. It’s about understanding our place in the grand scheme of things and recognizing that we are all part of a larger whole.

Just like the zookeeper with Bala, we can approach others with deference, acknowledging their strengths and abilities, and in doing so, we can build stronger, more respectful relationships.

Applying Deference in Our Lives

So, dear reader, I encourage you to practice deference in your own life. Recognize the strengths and abilities of those around you, and approach them with respect and humility. You’ll find that this simple act can have a profound impact on your relationships and your overall happiness.

Remember, we are all part of this grand tapestry of life, each with our own strengths and abilities. Let’s approach each other with deference, just as the zookeeper did with Bala, and see the beauty in our interconnectedness.

Until next time, dear reader, remember to respect, acknowledge, and defer.

Yours in wisdom,

Kev