That Important Wisdom

“Think about your favorite book when you were a child, and you’ll learn important wisdom about your own life story.” That amazing idea was told to me at a seminar years ago. It took no time at all for me to recall the little book that I asked to be read to me over and over again. I never tired of the surprise ending. Each time I thrilled at the unexpected outcome.

Jimmy Wins a Prize (copyright 1946) is about a little boy who watches as his friends pass his house accompanied by their pets, on their way to the animal show. He plans to enter his own pet turtle and is eager to go. Yet the turtle is nowhere to be found, and thus begins his frantic search. I know that feeling! I have often agonized that I was missing that special something that I lacked before I could enter “the contest.” Whether it was the perfect essay, or an admirable score on an entrance exam, or the polished presentation, anxiety ruled as I prepared.

What happened to Jimmy?  He finally realized that he even though he couldn’t find what he thought he needed, he would go ahead to the animal show anyway.  And, as he put on his shoe…there it was! The turtle had been there all along.  It wasn’t until he decided to participate, to be engaged, to get into his shoes and on with the business at hand, that he found that missing piece.

My take-away from the story, you ask?  What I think I lack is not “out there,” but is here with me all the time.  When those anxious moments arise, that is the time to believe in my ability to get the job done. Moments of worry accomplish nothing. Isn’t the metaphor terrific?  I need to put on my shoes and get out the door! I already have everything I need to have that strong, confident attitude.

Here is a quotation by Willa Cather, as she wrote in Death Comes for the Archbishop.

“Miracles seem to me to rest not so much upon the faces or voices or healing power coming suddenly near us from afar off, but upon our perceptions being made finer, so that for a moment our eyes see and our ears can hear what there is about us always.”

Learner, Thinker, Writer:  Emily Wood serves the Trinity School Community as a part time Receptionist.