Day 567
All four of my Goldens were surrounding me this evening and I marveled at their unique personalities AND their common traits. Lilly is Alpha, Ranger is a sweet old curmudgeon, Gus is a timid soul and Sam is the life of any party. Yet, they have more in common than the differences that seem to be so evident on the surface.
For example, their gentle natures are a constant aura surrounding each and every one of them. Watching Sammy chew his bone tonight, I realized that those teeth could really do some damage! However, I have no reservations about my safety in their presence. I can stick my hand in their mouths to extract treasures, trim their nails without fear of being gouged and place my forehead on their silky ones and know only love and sanctuary. What a gift these beings are in our lives.
There are people in my world who might fall into that same description. Those who make me feel the most secure might also have the potential to protect and defend in a less-than-gentle way. Gratitude is always foremost in these relationships, but there is a wee bit of respect for the capabilities of these individuals. Luckily, much like my Goldens, I know they would never hurt me in a purposeful way.
On the other hand, within my own being, there does not seem to be much angst, anger or dangerous potential. When you have that type of aura, it is beyond frightening to others when a slightly different personality emerges. There have been only a few moments in my life when there seemed to be a need to express myself in a less-than-gentle manner...all for a good cause.
One example was back in my second grade classroom where I was in command (most of the time). There was a pull-in group at the back table where a "very expecting Mama-to-be" was guiding three students through a reading lesson. Sitting at a kidney-shaped table, the special education teacher was tucked into the narrow part of the table. Suddenly, one of the students became angry and shoved the table into her stomach with great force. I rose from my own table, like a phoenix from the ashes, and bellowed the child's name. Pointing at the door, the next words were "GET OUT NOW"! After hugging the injured educator and telling her to go to the nurse, I flew out the door to confront the villain, only to find a little boy in tears by the lockers. All anger was immediately diminished. With my arms around his sobbing shoulders, we quickly found calm and remorse. He went down to the nurse's office to beg forgiveness, the teacher (and baby) were fine and all was well...until I went back into my classroom. All frantic eyes were on me to see if this new and unrecognizable teacher was choosing her next victim. After some reassurance, their devoted faces relaxed.
It seems that those of us who rarely react with intensity are quite the surprise to the people who are unsuspecting. About once a decade, or so, I find myself in the role of protector with the possibility of defending someone out of my character range. It has always been an eye-opener for the audience. At this point in my life, there should not be much of a need for that reaction...but then, it has been more than a decade since my last stand!
If I feel that reaction surfacing, I will picture my sweet Goldens who have a bark far worse than any non-existent bite! Their gentle natures win every time. Always...I want to be more like those pups of mine!
