Ants

The other day Jonas wanted to read “The Mixed-Up Chameleon” by Eric Carle. The book tells the story of a chameleon who happened upon a zoo. With every animal it met, it decided it wanted to be more like that animal and less like itself. Of course in the end, it discovered that perhaps being itself was better than being all mixed up. What a great lesson, but I sat there wondering how much of the moral a two-year-old could grasp. And when he is old enough to understand it, will he even remember the book and the invaluable truth? How many picture books do I really remember?

I started trying to think back through stories I heard as a kid and wondered if I could relate them to my life. Somehow I’ve never had to decide whether to sell a cow for a few magical beans. And I haven’t come across any witches living in candy houses in the woods. Yet, I suppose those stories have taught me something: think before you buy and don’t trust crazy old women. So those were lessons I got, but as I look around our house that lie in disarray as we frantically prepare to sell it, I suddenly wish I would’ve internalized more morals, such as the ant and the grasshopper.

In just a few short weeks, we must redo floors, install new appliances, paint, deep clean, de-clutter and paint some more. Our weekends and evenings have been filled with such activities and I find myself longing for a relaxing weekend. Then I realize that those weekends are what got us here to begin with. How many times did we kick back on the couch, go for a bike ride or sleep in instead of taking care of some simple DIY projects? I always thought of myself as more of the ant—the one who worked and planned and put forth effort—but suddenly I relate to the grasshopper who lounged and relaxed and procrastinated. “Never again,” I tell myself. “The next place will be different. We will be more proactive. We will plan better.” And yet, I wonder if I will be able to surrender the hammock to the paintbrush when time is on my side, or if I will revert to grasshopper tendencies.

But through our own story, we have realized an even greater lesson: the importance of family and friends. So many have become our worker ants, if you will. They have turned in their hammocks and picked up paintbrushes, floor tiles and cleaning supplies. They have sweated alongside us over the last few weekends, making us grateful, humble, truly blessed.