Blog Post

What Will You Choose

May 30, 2020

A human was brought into the Haven, exhausted but glad to no longer be lost.

There were so many magical beings. So different.

One with wings, ones as tall as trees, others small, broad, slender, some blue, or green. Some almost looked human, others were a mix of humans and creatures.

They lived together. Existing, being, suffering, and celebrating.

The human explored the expansive camp, curious about how they could coexist. It was like a dance as the beings wandered the camp, worked, it all seemingly flawless.

Seemingly.

The magical being who brought him, a  creature of part bull and part human known as a Minotaur, approached.

“How are you enjoying your exploration?” the magical being asked the human.

“How does this work? How can they live together? Why do they live together?”

“We realized long ago we are stronger together than apart. Separately we could not grow, continued to have prejudices. We could not see past our differences.”

“How does that make it better?”

“It doesn’t always. Some still fight, hate, and can not grow.”

“Why?” 

“Because they can still not see past our differences, all they see is other’s flaws.”

“What makes it better?”

“Nothing makes it better. We choose to see differently. We celebrate our differences, we see that our differences make us stronger. The Giant that lifts the stone. The ant riders that scout our boarders. The ones who can withstand the heat of the forge, the ones who grow all that we eat. We are stronger together. We are family. We are one.”

The human watched in wonder and was confused, “Every family fights. Yours can not be so perfect.”

“We are not. We fight, we cause each other pain and are rude, but we resolve our fights to move forward. We have learned that our pride tears us apart. Our past pains and grudges do nothing for our growth. If not for our future, for our children’s.” The Minotaur gestured around, 

“Our cultures, our abilities, our differences could separate us. Force us into a certain position or another, but we celebrate. Our strengths, our weaknesses. Our cultures, our abilities, our differences. We choose to let all of it make us stronger.”

“You said that. I just don’t understand how you choose that.”

“We see each other as living beings. Worthy of love and respect. We choose to give that love and respect.”

“What if they are unworthy?”

“Why should you or I choose who is worthy? You choosing that they are unworthy and not showing respect shows more about you than the one deemed unworthy.” 

The Minotaur placed his arm on the human’s shoulder, “No matter what the being, even human, they are worthy of respect, of kindness, of grace extended.”

“Not everyone.” The human huffed.

“The world will not be healed with a harsh word and a thrown fist. We must choose kindness, even to those who are rude or horrid. Do not let the hate of others change your heart, or cause you to be horrid in return. Choose what you will be.”

“Have you ever,”

“I have had prejudice against me, hate, unkind words, rudeness, but that is on those who can not grow. I will continue to choose kindness, respect, love, and grace. I will not let the hate of others dictate how I live. I choose to celebrate.”

The human watched the camp. He didn’t understand.

“How can you let people walk over you like that? It isn’t right.”

“What shows more strength? Arguing and reacting to the individual or showing kindness?”

“Reacting. Fighting and standing up for yourself.”

“No. Reacting is not fighting for yourself. It is allowing yourself to be like the one who provoked you. When you choose kindness you fight for yourself. You stand up for yourself and your convictions. In choosing kindness you are showing strength. That you will not yield to their hatred and rudeness.” 

“How can you care for even humans then after all they have done to you?”

“Because even their differences I celebrate. Even the magic beings have those in their history who have hurt others and have allowed hatred to take over their hearts. I continue to care for all because hatred will not heal anyone. I must go, but I will leave you with this:

Celebrate the differences of others and yourself.

Do not let pride and hatred rule your heart. 

Choose to care. To give grace. Extend kindness.

We are one people.

We are one tribe.

We are one family. 

We are stronger together than apart.

We are one.”

“Where do you have to go? Are you a warrior or a guard?” The human assumed looking at the giant of the Minotaur that he was.

The Minotaur laughed, “I have never been much of a warrior or guard. I preferred a different profession for myself. I am a teacher and I hope to inspire the next generation in what they will choose.”

The Minotaur looked at the human,

“Now it is your turn. What will you choose?”