Zebra Trust is Black & White

How is it that zebras can find serenity when lions could be circling? It really is very black and white for zebras. Everything is life and death-- but mostly life.

Life is a daily occurrence. For that matter, life is a constant. Breathe. Eat. Drink. Sleep. Do other things that zebras have to do. The things needed for life are always important.

Death is a once in a lifetime occurrence. It will come, but it is not every moment. Zebras do not spend time and energy trying to outrun death unless it is truly at the heels (or hooves).

Zebras must stay alert, but they do not have to worry. The lion may be trusted. I do not suggest that the lion and zebra would ever defy nature and be friends (except in animated films). What I mean by saying that the lion may be trusted is that the zebra may always trust the lion to think and act like a lion. Experiencing a sense of calmness of spirit in the presence of others depends on trust. If the zebra and lion come into one another's presence, each knows the other's nature, can anticipate certain actions and reactions, and may focus on one's own needs in the situation.

Humans are not always able to stay calm in the presence of one another because the nature of each person is not predictable. We imagine how our interactions will affect one another. We have certain expectations of behavior. Unfortunately, we also get disappointed, hurt, shocked, even angry when the other people think and act as they do. Whether the actions and reactions occur within a household or office or classroom or on a first date, we are usually surprised or even dumbfounded by the other person's individuality.

What can people learn from the zebra? Learn to trust in the nature of others. Do not waste time trying to anticipate motivations and possibilities. Stay calm and use your God-given senses. If the other is a lion-- run. If the other is a zebra-- keep munching. If human-- be alert. The nature of the human is unpredictable. That, you may trust.