An Elephant on Your Fence and other Elephantine Problems

Q: What time is it when an elephant sits on your fence?

Photo credit: data.amirite.net

A: Time to get a new fence

This is a popular joke at my house that actually teaches a terrific lesson.

The biggest problems can sometimes have the simplest solutions.

Yes, those solutions may take a lot of time and effort, but they are simple none-the-less.

If you are facing a big problem, try to look at the big picture and find what it will take to alleviate the issue. What do you have to do to get rid of the problem?

There is not a problem we can’t solve one way or another. Okay, I know you are thinking, “What about world hunger, or war, or racism?”

Well, this brings me to my second elephantine problem.

Q: How do you eat an elephant?

A: One bite at a time

Profound, I know!

We can only eat away at the problems in our lives and our world one bite at a time. If we all pitch in to relieve some of the wrongs, like world hunger or hatred, we can make a bigger difference. Donate to your local food drive or speak a kind greeting to a stranger on the street. Give donations to charities that seek to end poverty or discrimination.

Q: How can you tell if an elephant is in the refrigerator?

A: The door won’t shut

To begin making a difference, we need to close the door on past hurts and anger. We need to stop shining light on the words and actions that have damaged our hearts. We need to toss out the left-overs that are preventing us from moving on. We need to get that darn elephant out of the fridge!

Today put your energy into taking bites out of the things that are holding you back. Make an effort to clear out the proverbial elephant that is in the room of a troubled relationship. Get that problem elephant off your fence and begin to rebuild connections with those you love. Shut the door on past transgressions and shine the light on forgiveness and healing.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. I really do like elephants and silly jokes.