|
By Mark Johns
Have you ever heard of processionary caterpillars? They are so named
because of their peculiar habit of blindly following each other, no
matter how they are lined up or where they are going.
They travel in a procession.
Many years ago, French naturalist John Henry Fabre filled a flower
pot close to the rim with dirt. He then carefully arranged some
processionary caterpillars in a circle around the rim of it, so that
the lead caterpillar actually touched the last one, making a
complete circle. In the center of the pot he put pine needles, their
favorite food.
The caterpillars started walking around the circular flower pot.
Around and around they went, hour after hour, day after day, night
after night. They obtained no nourishment, no rest. For seven full
days and seven full nights they went around the pot. Finally, they
dropped dead of starvation and exhaustion.
In their busyness, the caterpillars failed to take care of what was
important. They had an abundance of food to eat less than six inches
away. They also had room to rest, and time to take a break. Yet, the
caterpillars literally worked themselves to death, while
accomplishing nothing meaningful or lasting.
The same thing can happen to any one of us, if we lose sight of
what’s really important. It is easy to get so caught up in the
day-to-day activities – meetings, errands, paying bills, maintaining
the home and vehicles – and give scant attention to the essentials,
including rest, recreation, and relationships.
What’s more important, minding details or nurturing ourselves and
those most dear to you?
Two fishermen became trapped out in the middle of a lake in a storm.
As the clouds got darker, the wind blew harder and the waves grew
larger, one said, “What do you think we ought to do, pray or row?”
His companion said, “We better do both!”
Surely we must do enough of the details to stay afloat and, at the
same time, preparing for storms yet to come. They will demand our
strength and that of those around us.
Don’t just keep following the guy in front of you. He may be
going in circles.
About the author: Mark Johns is a sales trainer, speaker and author
of Twenty Timeless Truths of Selling. He is a member of the North
Austin (TX, USA) Rotary Club. Contact him at:
spintl@yahoo.com. |
Going In Circles