Do you know the story of The Little Red Hen? I wasn't familiar with the story and one day in Borders I spotted it. It is a great story. Ginger bought it for Avery and he loves it. Every night he points to it and says "wheat"! I gladly read it to him and he listens attentively to every word. It is one of his favorites. It hasn't replaced or exceed I Love You Stinky Face, but it is up there.
Today it occurred to me why I love it so much: It is ingenious!
The LRH finds a grain of wheat. She asks her friends the duck, the goose, the cat, and the pig to help her plant it. They respectfully decline. She plants it herself. When it is time to reap the wheat, she again asks her friends for help. They again respectfully decline. Some friends LRH, but I admire your moxy. She doesn't give up or get mad, she just does it herself and so the story goes. Finally, it is time to eat the fresh bread made by LRH with no help from her deadbeat friends. Once again she asks, who will help. Guess who's suddenly there for LRH? You guessed it! Enter Duck, Goose, Cat and Pig. Really? You have said no to all the work, but you want to fill your belly with the fruits of LRH's labors? Here comes my favorite part, LRH says, nope, I will eat it myself. AND SHE DOES! That is awesome. Beyond awesome.
In life this is a tough decision to make. No Duck, Goose, Cat or Pig can be there 100% of the time, however, if they are never there, why should they be eating your bread? Don't just be sharing you bread willy nilly with people who aren't worthy. Be more selective, expect more, demand more, and give more. You ARE worthy. It drives me crazy when people settle for less than they deserve.
Act like the Little Red Hen! If your circle won't pitch in, do it yourself, and then find a new circle. Surround yourself with people who want to help, and above all else please don't settle.
Who knew you could find that much wisdom in so few words!
What is your favorite children's book? I know there are plenty of gems out there! I want to hear about them!
ohhh, I really like this post! I grew up reading the LRH, and had forgotten about it. It's intersting...these books don't get written today - Today, it would would say "forgive"...but, I agree, sometimes you just need to realize that although you (or I) may end up being a "net giver" in a relationship, it can't be one-sided.
ReplyDeleteOur favorite children's books...Love "On the Night You Were Born" - mkes me feel so special!
I think my favorite children's book is The Magic Rabbit. Sweet story and the illustrations are the BEST!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about McKinley's, but mine is definitely...I Love You Stinky Face AND Giraffes Can't Dance. They are both books about being yourself and being loved for it.
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