When the Livin’ Is Easy!
Outside the Marmalade Cafe in Southern California I stopped to enjoy this ‘turtle family reunion.’ Members of the clan, large and small, young and old, gathered on the rock in the sun and simply basked in its warmth.
When the temp outside rose to the mid-80s, every last one took a dive or at least slipped gracefully into the cool water surrounding the rocky outcropping. I smiled to myself as I imagined their life together–sharing resources, hanging out with one another regardless of age or appearance (although they do look remarkably alike) and simply ‘being’ as God created them to be. I didn’t see any squabble or competitive or aggressive behavior. And when one or two apparently needed some quiet time alone, I saw them inching their way up the side of the pond and hiding behind a little shrub.
They had no idea how much they inspired me–and taught me about human life. Wouldn’t our planet be more loving and caring if we did as these simple creatures do every day of their short lives–living and let live, sharing what was available and giving each other space when needed. The babies seemed to thrive as they copied the actions of the adults. Wonderful parenting and grandparenting as far as I could see.
I came home committed to being more like a turtle: moving slowly, taking time to make a decision to move or stay put, resting when fatigued, cooling off when it’s too hot, and being content with how God created me.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; [AND THE TURTLES] they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26)
What a great life lesson!!! Beautiful picture too. Thanks again Karen for the reminder. 🙂
Thank you for enjoying, Etta Mae.
What a great picture. I may have to frame it to remind me of your wise words.
Thanks, Barb. You are always so supportive.
love the picture!! They are so cute! Good lesson you presented! One we surely need to learn. One of my favorite verses of Scripture too! My son-in-law is a school teacher and one of the teachers he works with has a lot of ‘animals’ and she always took her large tank with a bearded dragon to her classroom during the school term. When my daughter and son-in-law found a bearded dragon in our yard they knew it would die so they took it to her and now she has TWO bearded dragons and they get along VERY well!! The students love them.
I am glad you took a picture of the little turtles as they really are precious and one of God’s creations.
Thanks, Margaret
Thanks for your cute story about the bearded dragons. All God’s creatures are precious and can teach us so much.
This is sweet and a great reminder of what is important. Thanks, Karen. I especially liked the part about moving slowly! I seem to end up hurting myself if I skippy-do like I did when I was seventeen. “Be deliberate” is my motto now. I think I will go lay on a rock in the sun. Looks like a lovely pass time!
One day at a time, right? 🙂
What a lovely time to reflect on how God made the turtles and we can learn life lessons from those sweet creatures1 There (again) God gives us gifts every day! And, it sounds just like you, Karen, to find the gift in the turtles!! I wonder how many of us would even take the time to enjoy them!? That’s what I admire so much about you-going a little deeper and taking time to enjoy the beauty of all the gifts that God has given us!! Thank you for sharing!!
So good to hear from you, Sue. Thanks so much for your sweet comment.
Thanks for your words of wisdom! A nice reminder to savor the quiet moments in life and to live at peace with others.
Thanks, Glenda. I agree. Let’s ‘savor’ the quiet moments.
I just love this, Karen. So true. I, too, need to be more like a turtle. Thank you for your keen insights. You continue to be an inspiration to me. God bless you!
So good to hear from you, Michele. I want you to know I am totally enjoying reading, at last, your delightful book, Getaway Mountain. I love it. You’re such a good storyteller.
Thank you, Karen. I needed the encouragement today. Love you, my friend.
Karen, the picture is adorable; the clan, hanging out together. And the analogy you draw is so apt. I love what you said about going a little slower, taking time over decisions, and enjoying who God has made you to be. Those are lessons for me too, in my life which is too often cluttered and busy, when what I need is rest, renewal, and the love of my Father, family and friends. Thank you for this!
Thank you, Carol, for appreciating my blog this week and the cute photo. I keep thinking of those little critters and how much I learned from just watching them do their thing.