As I was quietly spending some time in my favorite place. Chincoteague, Va, I was thinking about all the violence and chaos in our country and the world today. In July 2024 I wrote this reflection on Getting along, and I thought maybe it would be a good time to republish it. So, I am going to republish it. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
“Getting along” This evening, my wife and I went to Patches Family Creamery to enjoy a fantastic ice cream cone. As I was sitting on the porch eating my ice cream, I started watching the animals in the farm zoo. There were black and white goats, black and white turkeys, a donkey, a cow, some sheep, and a few chickens. The children were feeding the animals, and the animals were being very patient. As I sat there, I marveled at how well all the animals seemed to be a part of a single social group. And as I watched, there wasn’t any fighting or violent behavior. What does that say about our animal friends versus our society. In reality that little animal community had multi races and many different appearances, but they all got along. There was a lesson right in front of us, watching the animals and seeing how well they got along. And think about the scripture reading from Isaiah 11:6. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.
Reflections by Bob 