Revisiting a Parable: The Tortoise and the Hare

The Tortoise and the Hare
From Childhood's Favorites and Fairy Stories

It's not a Biblical parable, but there is much to be learned from the parable of the tortoise and the hare. I think we are all familiar with the basic message: sprinting and then having to rest doesn't result in a win. Slow and steady wins the race. Does this apply only to marathons? Lately, I have been thinking about the ways in which this applies to other parts of life: physical, mental, spiritual. For example, consuming a bunch of caffeine or sugar to spike your energy and then crashing isn't as productive as maintaining energy throughout the day (and getting enough sleep!). Not studying the whole semester and then "cramming" for a test does not result in long term knowledge. But what about putting God (in whatever form you worship) on the back burner and then praying feverishly in times of need? Does the logic still hold? Well, God isn't always logical but there are some similarities. First of all, God will be there any time. You don't have to check in every day to earn the right to pray earnestly in times of need. But what about the rest of the time, when there isn't a crisis? God is still available and waiting for you. Those are the exciting times: whether you call it prayer, meditation, a morning practice or something else, daily connection with a higher power slowly changes you, helps you answer your unique call, and gives you strength and guidance for the day. Slow and steady wins that race.
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A 90-year Old's Secrets for a Long Life

I just spent five days in Pittsburgh, where I had the pleasure of visiting my 90-year-old step grandmother, Laddie. She has always been a kindred spirit with an interest in the arts. When she was growing up her mother would take her out of school to go see shows at Radio City Music Hall. Her parents cultivated a curiosity about the world so all five children in her family went to college. She was the youngest and entered Oberlin in 1937 followed by a career as a social worker.

When my family visited as we were growing up, she and my grandfather always had a new craft for my brother and I to try or were ready with a series of classic books for us to read. Todd and I read the entire Wizard of Oz series at their house. After retirement, she and my grandfather ice skated until she was 81. She said it felt like flying. Some of the "young" ice skaters still visit her, as do people from her church and other family members. She also reads the paper and has a lot to say about the world. She told me that the world is too interesting not to pay attention. She doesn't keep up on every new technology, but she knows how to use a cell phone so that she can feel close to family in Seattle. Before I left, we looked at her wall of loved ones, framed photos of people past and present.

Although I do not share her genetics, she has passed along other parts of her recipe for a long, healthy life. Friends, curiosity, intelligence, physical activity, purpose and a sense of connection to those she loves. She said that she hopes there is a way for her to know about my adventures even after she dies. I hope so too.