Dung Beetle Wisdom: Salt-of-the-Earth People
Dung beetles are the cleaners of Africa! There are many animals like elephants that eat tons of grass a day and make a lot of dung. Dung is gold for the dung beetle! Once on site, they use their forelegs to roll the dung into a ball about as big as themselves. Then they push, pull and manoeuvre their prize back home, where they eat some of it, give some to their young, and bury the rest. Thanks to their instincts, it enriches the fertility of the earth by providing an important link in the cycle of life.
Dung beetles go about their humble task of dung disposal unselfishly with a high degree of intelligence. It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. The reflected polarisation patterns from the sun to the moon allow the dung beetle to find its burrow after gathering dung for food! Dung beetles are truly the “salt of the earth” creatures of nature. Disposing of dung isn’t much of a life, but the little beetles seem happy enough.
Similarly, in the lives of humans, there are jobs and responsibilities that are unpleasant and seldom receive recognition. If you are doing a “dung beetle job”, remember that you are blessed because, just like the dung beetle, you have a purpose and an impact on people’s lives, far greater than you can imagine. Salt of the earth people are humble, unpretentious,uncomplicated, devoted, loyal, earnest and honest. They are hard-working people, who add value to the lives of others.
Never look down on the “dung beetle people” of this world, rather appreciate their contributions to better your life.
From African Wisdom by Dr. Lanette Hattingh
Dear Net Buddies,
What kinds of tasks or activities have you performed that make you feel undervalued or unappreciated like the dung beetle?
What could someone else have done to make these tasks or activities more rewarding?
How have you made these tasks or activities more fun?
Just like the dung beetle gets on with its task, be sure you share your thoughts with us. We promise to appreciate and enjoy your comments.
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