Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Bull and The Ballerina

One afternoon, a three year old boy ran into the living room where his Mom was watching television. To get his Mom's attention, he got down on all fours and started bucking his feet in the air and raring his head up and down. "Mommy, look what I can do! I'm a bucking bull!" the little boy yelled. His Mom watched and cheered him on about his amazing, new found talent.
The little boy's older sister who was five came bursting into the room wearing a pink leotard and tutu. "Mommy, look at me!" she yelled as she twirled right in front of the bucking bull. Of course, this did not make the bull happy. So, he made his way back to the front and added loud bull grunt noises. The ballerina grimaced and quickly did a twirl with a jump to regain her front stage position. The Mom sat back and laughed, enjoying the show and noticing the rivalry for her complete attention. Her two children advanced closer and closer to their Mom each time they got in front of the other. Finally, they were both up against the couch and unable to move. The Mom grabbed them both up in a huge hug and said, "You two are the best bucking bull and ballerina that I have ever seen!" Both children smiled; happy with the approval of their Mom and ran off to play.
How often do we, as adults, buck and dance trying to gain the approval of our children, spouse, parents, friends, bosses, or God? All we need to do is be ourselves and quit competing against one another for front stage because we are each perfectly unique.

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