Lessons from an Ant

Carrying our Life Load: Lessons from an Ant

After running in several different directions this weekend, preparing to send the boy off to camp (again) and the husband off for a week long business trip I found myself with a decision to make. It’s 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evening and I have yet to get to the gym for my daily workout. Seriously considering skipping the gym and maybe take a quick walk around the block I sought out the husband in hopes he would talk me into staying home with him. Finding him outside with a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other I took a seat on the steps and began my “I think I’m going to skip my work out because I am tired” speech I caught a glimpse of something moving along the bottom step. Taking a closer look I realized it was an ant transporting a rather large object up the steps. Thinking out loud I wondered why the ant chose such a large load to carry. What would make this ant think he (or she) could carry such a load? Always the positive thinker, my husband stated that maybe he needed it. I’m not sure what “it” was, but my guess it was a piece of a leaf from the tree above. But whatever it was it was bigger than the ant; a lot bigger. Continuing to watch the ant move across the step and up the next I was reminded of the difficulties in life and how we have to make the choice to carry the load or give up. Upon that thought sinking into my brain, I dusted myself off, grabbed my car keys and went straight to the gym. After all, if that teeny tiny little ant could carry his heavy load up the steps the least I could do is work out.

Throughout my workout I thought about the ant and how hard he has to work to survive. That trivial piece of leaf was apparently pretty important or he wouldn’t have kept going like he did. I wonder what would happen, if we took the time to put all we had into what matters to us; family, friends, faith, work. What if like the ant we decided that instead of fussing over stuff we figured out a way to work through it. What if we learned to prioritize and determine what was really worth working for? What if, like the ant, we lived in a community that took care of one another and worked alongside of one another for no other reason than because it’s the right thing to do. What if we were able to carry our life load and be thankful for what we have? The “what if’s” are endless; much like our life’s work.

In watching the ant it was apparent that he wouldn’t stop until the job was finished. Determined to get over any obstacles in his path I watched as he made it up the entire set of steps and disappear into the grass. Working hard is necessary to achieve our life goals. Making the decision to never give up is important; no matter how heavy the load. Taking life one step at a time, one task at a time and working to complete each one step at a time will allow you to live a fuller more satisfying life. Look at your load and decide to pick it up and carry it through to the end.

I encourage you to take a moment and watch the video below and to pick up your life load and carry it with determination and motivation. After all, if that tiny little ant can do it I’m sure you can too.

Peace,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!

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