Ch-ch-ch-changes
Yesterday at the farmer’s market, people cooed, petted, and one two leg even asked if she could give Henrietta a piece of bacon that had fallen on the ground. I shook my head from side to side—uh-uh, no thanks. I was thankful she asked first.
We’d like Henrietta to learn how to socialize with two legs and four legs. Every day, we take adventures that expose her to a wide range of environments. Of farmer’s market, pet store, grandma and grandpa two legs house, and marsh, marsh has been the paws down favorite. Teaching Henrietta how to behave in public serves our pride, pleasure and profit—no damages to settle.
I recently read this meditation in Awakening by Anthony De Mello:
“Each time you seek to change another,” said the Master, “ask yourself this: What will be served by this change—my pride, my pleasure, or my profit?”
I’ve thought about this question a lot.
How often is my desire for change self-centered?
Does it serve a greater cause?
Surely Henrietta’s life will be richer, and safer, if we can teach her proper manners.
What changes would you like to see?
Who do they serve?