"The Waterhole?"

 

When I first got out of college and got into the working field there was a term that folks used in the cafeteria area: “Water cooler conversation”.  This was the term people used when adults would converse about innocent topics. Who won the game last night? Did you watch this show or that program? No politics, no religion, no sexuality conversation. The water cooler conversation was strictly for hi and bye people at work. I didn’t want to be rude and dismissive, but I didn’t want people in my personal life.

                  In the wild kingdom, there is a place where animals from all shapes, colors and sizes come together to quench their thirst. “The water hole” is a place where Lions come to drink but they keep their eye on the crocodile, wild boars, hippos…even elephants. All these animals pose as a threat to the Lion also known as “the king of the jungle.” He, his queen, and his cubs all come together at times to get a drink and go back to lounging or whatever. The Zebra, elk and gazelle also come to the water hole to drink. For most predators they look like a snack but depending on the time of day, they too can come and get a drink. If they don’t stay too long, they’re in good hands with the creator.

What is the point of this blog? There are times in life where we as human beings come together metaphorically speaking at the water hole for conversations. Politics, bedroom agendas, who is dating who, who is gay, who isn’t gay, who supports what movement, what religion is he or she? These conversations can spark up an instant argument. There are times when we must understand that we’re all different and we all have different taste for our own personal liking. If you’re an eagle, you like to fly in and say hi, but you like to control the air ways and get back to your home in the trees. The Elephant has a big appetite and when it wants to drink normally, he stays longer at the water hole. Elephants are typically social with each other. If you’re a crocodile or alligator, you live in the water hole so you may be trying to entrap another animal and get them in trouble. You like the drama! The baboon is highly intelligent and understands his time at the water hole is noticeably short because he doesn’t have the time to put his family in danger. What about you? Are you like the lion - you like keeping your eye on the opposition at all times? Are you like the elephant and you are secure in yourself because of your power and your stance is highly visible? What about the eagle? You may be like the eagle because you really don’t see most animals that are like you because you spend a lot of time in the air. All these animals seem to have the appropriate instincts to adapt to the environment their in. Human beings want everyone to know what their thinking and don’t realize that someone else may have a whole other path or appetite for what makes them feel special. This is not a blog about separating or social distancing. This is a blog about understanding time and nature. There is a time to cut off the convo and keep going on with your day. There is a time that you and a stranger may click even though they’re not in your family. There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verse 1-8)!  Some people give non- verbal cues that push away people from approaching. That may be what God intended to keep you out of harms way. Whatever way you comprehend this piece of literature, let it take you further in your social life. Social media has opened plenty of water holes for all kinds of life forms. Find a water hole that is safe, healthy, and reliable. My source of water has always been following the commandments of the scriptures. Someone else’s maybe the Laws of Maat or the Holy Koran. That water hole is for their well being not necessarily mine. However, I don’t mind coming by and having a drink, but I just can’t stay long.

Be Blessed

© June 25, 2020 Bernard Tench, III, BS