Mon, Apr 19 2010

Chains are inevitable. Escape is optional.

One of the best dogs I ever met who was not my own dog was Bonzo, an escape artist of a boxer who would get loose from his owner's property and come visiting to our house, sometimes still dragging a length of chain attached to his collar. (The owner was arranging a great space for Bonzo, but was having to keep him temporarily tethered due to an emergency.) This dog was exuberant and playful and seemed to laugh at the universe. Bonzo accepted the reality of his situation, but not as fate.

When the cares of the day seem to be tightening the noose around my neck and I think I might let adversity, or even too much good fortune, get in the way of being a productive human being, I remember that look on Bonzo's face when he overcame a challenge and then got called out for it. He seemed genuinely surprised that we didn't applaud his escape. This happy dog seemed to know that his circumstances were temporary. I could see the wheels turning behind those happy eyes, looking for the next challenge and hoping the rest of the world would make the challenge worthwhile and productive in the end. If I'm going to have challenges, I should face them with humor and creativity. If I'm going to have a chance for an adventure, I should make it a big adventure. I wish the same for anyone reading this. I hope you give it all you've got. Be a Bonzo.

posted at: 12:14 | category: /Religious and Spiritual | link to this entry