Reverence for Life

I learned something about myself last night. We were walking at an outside mall that had a beautiful water garden. There was a small pond with some fish. These fish are the big gold fish you find in Japanese gardens. Some people regard them as sacred. Last night I found out that I do, too. Divina and I were standing there admiring them, Mark nearby. Two little boys came along, obviously brothers. I'd guess they were seven and four. They stood right beside us and playfully climbed around the large rocks surrounding the pond. Excitedly, the older boy gasped and picked up two rocks (softball sized), and handed one to his brother. He had an idea. It flashed through my mind that he would through his rock at the fish, but then no. Surely not. But he did! He lifted the thing up and "kabush"! The rock landed right on top of three fish who might have been sleeping. I have never yelled at anyone else's child before. I do not feel it is my place to discipline children who are not in my care, and then I feel uncomfortable if they are. But this was different. Without thinking, my deep, authoritative voice emerged from within me and I bellowed "DO NOT THROUGH ROCKS AT THOSE FISH!" The boys turned around with such a start you'd think I was a gun firing. The smaller boy, still holding his rock, innocently said to me "Why?" My voice and temperament calmed and I said "Because you could hurt them or kill them." He looked down at his rock and seemed to consider it. The older boy just continued to play, no rocks though. This incident makes me realize something about my values. It has something to do with reverence for life, for respecting the sacred, and to protect life despite my fears. These are values parents should teach their children. So be the teachings of Divina.

(This image was borrowed from http://www.efuse.com/Plan/get_what_you_want.html.)