Spirit animals

Craig has been called as a seminary teacher. This morning he had early morning training before work. 

They talked about spirit animals. He didn't really get it. He thought of his favorite animal - horse. 

He remembered his childhood experiences with horses. He loved to ride them. He felt like he got to know them - their personalities - when he would go on week long riding trips. He remembered Pop and Soda from when we lived in Madras. 

I thought of a panda for him. 

He was wearing a white shirt and black pants.  But really I thought of this panda. 

A total goodball, but somebody who took care of business. Somebody who could capture difficult concepts exasperatingly quickly. Somebody who loves life and his people. Someone who is not intimidated by self-important bullies. He chooses his own path - sometimes the hard way. But he gets where he's headed. He can irritate the Shi-fu's in his life, but they love him and have confidence in his heart and vision. 

For Josh. He chose his own spirit animals. 

First the bear. 

He avoids things he doesn't want to deal with. But he can and does take a stand and says "nope!" When needed. It takes him a while to get angry, but when he does he means business. 

But he also likes the wolf. 

He likes the pack aspect. Josh functions well with his squad, or his people. They are important to him.  

(Yes, I do notice they are top predators. He is after all almost 17. But the characteristics that he chose to discuss are impressively self-aware.)

For Boaz. I said an otter. 

I could picture otters romping through snow - sliding and playing through life. 

Josh said Boaz was a monkey. A small monkey. Boaz laughed and added "throwing poop."

Poking at the bear and driving him crazy and scampering out of the way. 

I had no idea about mine. Craig said a dog. 

I tend to get distracted easily - "squirrel!"  By books, quilts, etc. and then nothing else gets done. 

I thought okay, I am loyal. I love my people. The boys thought about Dug from Disney's Up. I didn't really like that because he was ostracized by his pack and had to wear the cone of shame. Poor Dug. But the boys defended Dug as the best dog of the movie and how important he was to the success of of Carl and Russell. 

I also am not too happy with the connection to the B word. But I can at times get petulant and behave badly. Although I didn't say that out loud. And nobody brought that part up. 

And really dogs were essential to civilization. They allowed early tribes to control important herd animals. They were important for security. Dogs have been callled man's best friend, for very good reasons. They are the most popular family pet. I do love dogs. They become a member of the family. 

All in all a fun Family Home Evening.