First Baptist Church of Herndon

Lessons - When no one wins

Linda Soller | Jun 13, 2016

Over the memorial weekend a child climbed on a zoo enclosure and fell into the Gorilla habitat. Crowds watched as the large male Gorilla, acting confused, drug the little boy through the mote. He wasn’t gentle with the child, but he wasn’t attacking either. Some say they heard the mother argue with the child about whether he would climb in the enclosure or not. Really, they argued? Others say “accidents happen”. He intentionally climbed in, it wasn’t an accident. The child was taken to the hospital, and was later released. He had no serious physical injuries. The onlookers to the event were left torn as they tried to assign blame for the outcome of the events. We humans seem to need to place blame.

I was talking to a friend at work. Over the weekend his family was kayaking on the Potomac River when it became clear two young children were in trouble in the water. They clung to the side of his wife’s kayak. It was dangerously close to capsizing. He and his young adult daughter assisted the children to safety. Standing on the bank was a father fussing at his children, saying, “I told you, don’t go out in the water.” He had not been near them, he had not rescued them, but he managed to yell. He was clearly placing blame, but showing no signs of sincere relief. My friend was struck by how the father’s reaction missed the mark.

We are given much in our lives, and much is expected. God teaches us to love, nurture, and protect the gifts we are given. Barriers at zoos are there to protect the guests, and the animals. We must respect the barriers. Wildlife, which did not ask to be confined, learns to survive in unnatural surroundings. When the humans enter their space it scares them, just as we are scared when they get out of their enclosures. We need to teach respect for barriers that provide safety. Rivers run fast and free for the most part. We may have learned rivers are not trash cans, yet we often forget they are wild. The water swells, and pushes, and rushes past. We must teach respect for the power of the river.

Many struggle with the job of parenting. They are tired. They are reluctant to parent when they can be “the friend”. They resist showing relief and love for fear they will appear weak. And often they resist taking responsibility. They want respect, but do they practice it? Even adults must learn respect.

The Gorilla was killed, the mother offered excuses. The children were scolded, the father was irritated, and still the river rushes by. We must teach respect. We must learn respect. When there is no respect, is when no one wins.

Have a great week!    :o)  Linda