Are we ants?
I
recently had an experience that most would consider to be ordinary and unimportant. As I was standing outside the door of where I
work, charged each day to fulfill my contribution to society, I noticed an ant
scuttling in circles on the cement walkway.
I watched the tiny creature moving sporadically
about, when a devious thought entered my mind.
Then, without even putting in enough effort to make a full step, I
placed my foot over the insect and pressed lightly down onto the concrete. After realizing an almost noiseless pop issue
from beneath my boot, I moved my foot away to see the last moments of the tiny
creatures life twitch through its legs then go still.
While
I stared down at the lifeless frame of what was once a busybody tasked with
some incomprehensible responsibility, I couldn't help but notice the
similarities that you and I share with that tiny ant. Like the ant, we are made of matter; carbon
based creatures held together by cells, tissue and nerves that pulse constantly
through our bodies. The metaphorical “boot,”
be it the stab of knife, the blast of a gun or the slow and painful spread of
diseased cells though the body, may just as easily, and unexpectedly, stamp out
that life that we have held during our time.
Like
the carefree ant you may step out your front door, ready to take on the
responsibilities of the day without realizing the chance that life may be
removed from you. More importantly you
may forget how easily a valued friend or family member can be unexpectedly
taken, leaving you at the “ant hill” waiting, only to realize they will never return
to you.
Are
we like ants, busily working to survive, paying no attention to the other ants
around us simply fulfilling their daily duties? Or are we human, taking the
time to appreciate those we care about, showing our love not only in words, but
in the deeds that we do for our fellow man.
Life is fragile. You will regret
the chances you did not take, the things you did not say, and the moments you
did not share with those you love. Do
not become so busy working to survive, that you actually fail to live.
