Small but MIGHTY

When we hear people say “small but mighty”, so many things come to mind. We either think of short 'vertically challenged' people doing big tasks or things that look small but when examined, weigh beyond what the eyes have judged.

The small but mighty creatures I am writing about are the ants. In the sixth chapter of the book of Proverbs, the sixth verse says:         

“You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.”

(The Message Bible).

Photo credit: listaka.com

 I regard no one as a lazy fool though, but let us examine some interesting facts about the ants as the Bible has instructed and learn a thing or two, or even more from them.

FACT AND LESSON 1:

WHEN ANTS FIGHT, IT IS USUALLY TO THE DEATH

This simply means that when an enemy attacks their colony, they fight to keep the enemy away until the enemy dies. Then and only then are they at peace.

 The lesson to draw from here is to never give up when the challenges of life stare us in the face. No matter how terrible and difficult it is, we shall overcome for we are more than conquerors through Him (God) that loved us (Romans 8:37) and though we be troubled on every side, we are not distressed (2 Corinthians 4:8).

 

FACT AND LESSON 2

ANTS HAVE TWO STOMACHS IN THEIR ABDOMEN!

I bet you did not know this. One of the stomachs holds food for itself while the other stomach (the social stomach) holds food to be shared with others.

Ours might not necessarily be a stomach, but we should and can at least have a heart that remembers the need of other people around us. Something to share with others. You will be surprised by the level of joy you will derive from meeting the needs of people around you especially when it happens in the nick of time. It may be financially, morally, spiritually, academically or even concerning issues pertaining to relationship (say in the form of a word of advice).

You just might be making someone’s day. So whenever we wake up each day, let us remember that someone somewhere needs us just as we need someone. No man can be Island. After all, there is love in sharing.

 

FACT AND LESSON 3

WHENEVER AN ANT FINDS A SOURCE OF FOOD, IT LEAVES A TRAIL OF SCENT FOR THE OTHER ANTS TO FIND THE FOOD.

The lesson there is somewhat similar to that of lesson 2. I picture these creatures as not being selfish. They find food in a place and before you know it, they are all over the place. They do not hide that which they have been blessed with. Rather, they go back to alert the others.

Some humans are not like this. They would rather clear the whole table than leave some crumbs for those who do not have. This should not be so. Let us endeavor to teach others the good principles which made us successful in life rather than ensuring that nobody amounts to the good we have become. Leave a trail for others to be blessed.

This is similar to what Boaz commanded his workers so that Ruth could have some things to take home (Ruth 2:15-16). This will reduce joblessness and unemployment in a way.

FACT AND LESSON 4

DIVISION OF LABOUR AND TEAM WORK 

These small but mighty creatures get a lot of things done by ensuring that each one works in different areas, such as being a soldier, a worker or a queen.

photo credit: insectox.com

I look at some people and see that because they want to be noticed as being hard hardworking, they would not allow other people do other things. They would not delegate duties. It should be known that one of the factors that disturb our health is stress. Give those around you a sense of responsibility and belonging and let them know that the success or downfall of that responsibility lies in their hands.

If we do this, a lot is covered and our leisure will be pleasurable.

FACT AND LESSON 5

“HEY BUDDY! HOW IS IT GOING WITH YOU?”

photo credit: how-to-get-rid.net

I observed that as the ants move along the wall, even in their busy schedule, they stop by each other for a few seconds and move on. I suggest you stop by anywhere you find them moving in their lines and observe them too. Those coming stop by those going for a few seconds and the journey continues. I do not know what goes on in those few seconds but I believe the scenario might be that of checking up on each other.

It’s funny that a friend whom you haven’t called for ages calls you and the next thing you say is “Ahn ahn! All these days, you did not even remember me, call me or even send a simple text.” Why did you not call or send a text to him or her finding out why you have been forgotten?

Lesson is, no matter how busy your schedule is, remember to say hello to your friends and ask how it has been going with them. Some people die on the inside because nobody seems to care for them. Make out time to hear from long lost relatives and let them be happy that it is not only when you need something that you remember they exist.

LOOK AT AN ANT AND LET IT TEACH YOU!
Know any other thing we could learn from the ants? Will be pleased to hear from you... Ciao