It was a cloudy day in the woods, and the wind was caressing the trees. The trees swayed as though dancing with the wind, not wildly but more romantically and softly. The pond where all the residents of the woods came to drink was quiet, and the only sound was of the dancing trees and the birds chirping in the distance. An occasional ripple was seen as fish would surface to bite at a bug. Only one word could describe the scene—Peaceful.
Suddenly, out of the bushes, a rabbit scurried to the pond and began to drink. Sniffing the air around him to be alert to any danger, he drank and sniffed. A turtle crawled toward the bank next to him. The rabbit stared at him in amusement. The turtle ignored the rabbit and slowly crawled upon a rock just at the edge of the pond. The rabbit continued to drink and sniff the air.
The turtle asked, Rabbit, why are you sniffing the air?
The rabbit shared that she was fearful of many things, especially coyotes or dogs.
But what good is knowing a dog is near, asked the turtle, you can’t win against a dog? You are too small.
The rabbit shared, I am small, but I am fast. If I know a dog is coming, I can run and hide.
Suddenly, a skunk waddled up toward the pond and lowered his head to get a drink. He ignored the turtle and the rabbit.
The turtle continued the conversation with the rabbit. I am a very slow animal, so if I am in danger, I pull my head and feet inside of my shell, and I am secure. I hide in silence until the trouble is over.
The rabbit heard the skunk chuckle, and so she asked: What’s so funny?
The skunk lifted his tail and smiled. When I am in trouble, I create such a stink that no one wants to be around me. I am not going anywhere; they all can take a hike.
How do you handle conflict? Do you run and hide? Do you withdraw within yourself? Do you create such a stink that no one wants to be around you? Maybe ask a friend or ask your spouse. There could be a better way!
Have a great day.
Dr. James D. Allen
© 3D Church Consulting, LLC 2024
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Dr. James D Allen
Dr. Allen served as a seminary VP, pastor, and as a trustee on a Christian mental health Board. He has earned a BA, MA, MA Biblical Counseling, Doctor of Ministry. Dr Allen has also preached on 5 continents, lived in 3 nations, and so has a diverse Christian experience. He has a distinguished career of being a pastor, consultant, author, and educator. MY FIRST LOVE--Being a Pastor and encouraging others!
