Friday, July 19, 2013

Wisdom



The years teach much which the days never knew. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

© Lynn Retzlaff


Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another. ~Juvenal, Satires

© Lynn Retzlaff



My husband and I took the kids to the zoo this past Monday. A much needed and deserved day of enjoyment and family time.

As we wandered the zoo looking at animal after beautiful animal, absorbing all the educational facts our minds could hold on a hot humid day, I fell in love over and over again. So many beautiful and fascinating creatures live on this planet. My inner child surfaced and wished the age old wish to be able to talk to the animals. I would love to be able to connect with them and understand what they are thinking and feeling, especially the elephants.

To see the world through the eyes of an elephant. Wouldn't that be fascinating? The history they must hold! I wonder if they tell stories to their young, passing knowledge from generation to generation.

Perhaps my love for the elephant is in direct relation to my love for grand old trees. Think of the similarities. Their color, texture, massive size, longevity, noble stature. Both are seen as wise old sages. I wonder if the wrinkles on elephants read like the lines in the trunks of trees, giving glimpses into their history. (Wonder. Another component to wisdom, as one feeds the other)

Wisdom is not something that can be rushed. One must slow down and learn with intent in order to gain wisdom. One must take the time to care about the knowledge that presents itself. Perhaps that is why the elephant and the tree are both representatives of wisdom. They are both noble slow/still beings that seem to absorb the stories of that which surround them. Wisdom through observation and osmosis.


6 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

I do love the comparison of old trees to those beautiful wrinkly creatures. So much to teach us...
Happy weekend !

Jan said...

You seem wise beyond your years, and yet, you have no wrinkles! I do like your analogy between trees and elephants. Lovely thought provoking post.

John said...

What a great post and great images too. Such wisdom from one so young. :)

Jennifer Richardson said...

I know just what you mean
about elephants and old trees
....those gnarled features that seem to speak more than rooms full
of voices ever could.
I love your compassionate heart.
-Jennifer

april said...

Lovely comparison and lovely photos. I love the elephants too; so slow-moving and seemingly gentle. Comfort.....like an old grandfather.

Elena said...

Love the post. Love the trees and the elephants. I always enjoy your zoo shots...since I can't go to the zoo. Can't handle seeing any of the animals in captivity. And I agree, so much wisdom in such a wrinkle-less body ;) !

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