You Can Learn A Lot About a Person By How They…

 Maya Angelou has said: “I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way (s)he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”  To these words of complete truth, I’m going to add that you can learn some important life lessons by watching how people behave in a Butterfly House.

We visited a Butterfly Conservatory on our vacation to Niagara Falls last week, and I wrote about it in an earlier post.  I love them.  If I could live in one, I would.  They’re one of the only places where I feel completely calm, except for the reptiles.  Those would have to go.    

Here are some things I learned about life from watching my family in the Butterfly House:

Gabe:

It takes some time to get used to unpredictable things flying around your face.

Having someone’s arms to run into when you are scared makes things much more bearable.

Go forth with enthusiasm, curiosity and good cheer, and the world will generally meet you.

Don’t eat rotting fruit.

Jacob:

You can do almost anything if you try.  And even if you can’t, trying is still worthwhile.

Be patient and persistent, and ignore anyone who tries to discourage you.

Pay attention.  Pay attention.  Pay attention.

There is nothing to be afraid of (except your mother, if you try to steal a gumball from the gift shop)

Noah:

If you can’t have compassion for yourself when you are uncomfortable in your own skin, try to be around others who can have compassion for you.

People are works in progress no matter how old they are, but teenagers especially are like emerging butterflies.  Try very hard not to hurt them, no matter how much you want to. 

Being with your family always offers a certain comfort, even when it doesn’t.

Don’t steal gumballs. 

Martin:

It is possible to find calm and comfort almost anywhere.

Loving is always better than not loving.

Kindness is always better than unkindness.

It takes some time to get used to unpredictable life partners flying around in your face (possibly the rest of your life).

Thanks for being my guys, guys. 

No poem today but just as lovely and nourishing–some more quotes from Maya on what she’s learned in her life.  Her life has been a blessing to all of us!

• “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”
• “I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.”
• “I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.”
• “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
• “I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.” 
• “I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.”
• “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.”