This is a message from Gary Metcalf, Ballad Health chaplain and corporate director of spiritual health services.
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
Yoda, from Star Wars: Episode 1
There is an interesting diversity in one’s backyard. On any given day a variety of animals help themselves to whatever it has to offer. A rabbit nibbles on the tender grass near the garden. Two or three squirrels search for nuts along the ground. Birds such as robins, blue jays, mocking birds, crows, woodpeckers, and an assortment of smaller ones work the trees and the grass. Occasionally, a chipmunk will seek sunlight and food before going underground again.
The fascinating thing about this mini-zoo is how well they accept one another. The rabbit doesn’t mind sharing the yard with squirrels and birds. The birds seem to have no problem that among them are red, blue, brown, and black species. All the animals accept the diversity of that part of their world. Would that we humans could make a similar adjustment to the beautiful variety that exists among us. There is surely such a place and plan for each of us in the world. It is so important that we all learn to share the backyards of life with whoever is there.
Occasionally the neighbor’s cat strolls across the lawn. His presence sends squirrels scurrying up the trees, birds retreating to the highest limbs, rabbits running into the brush, and chipmunks burrowing into their holes. They all run because the cat is an animal of prey. He will not allow them the freedom to roam the yard. In fear, they adjust their lifestyle when the cat is around. Some people are predators, also. They do not accept diversity. They want to eat and devour those who are different. They want the backyard to have only their kind of creatures. Some of these folks are religious predators who hate and harm in the name of their god. They send people hurrying to their hiding places in order to escape rigidity and judgmental dispositions.
This backyard story is a parable. It reminds us that we are to live in a backyard where the Creator wants us to accept and share in His delight in the variety of folk who use it. The backyard parable is teaching us what true holistic life is all about. We must reach out to all kinds of people and share the love that has so graciously been given. Let us not permit fear and suffering to consume our mind and spirit and rob us of the beauty this creation has to offer in the fulfillment of our lives.
Rev. Gary Metcalf, D.Min, BCC, ACHE
Corporate director, spiritual health services
