August 2010

The ant philosophy in my opinion is simply “one for all and all for one.” These ants have different occupations forming several divisions but they come together to form a strong colony. Ants understand the power of a united front to achieve a goal or solve a problem.

Several character traits are developed by the ants as a result of their philosophy. Below are some of the traits they possess:

• Ants understand the signs of the times. Proverbs 6 says that the ants have no overseer but they are wise enough to store provisions in the summer and gather food at harvest. Another words, ants save for the rainy day. Ants don’t over indulge or conduct practices to gratify themselves without thinking of tomorrow. I call this long-term thinking. Ants know that they can’t be as effective during certain weather conditions so they devise a strategy for their upkeep. Ants always think of a contingency plan.
• Ants are hard workers. Although they understand the importance of rest, they do not sleep or remain idle when they know opportunities for increase exist out there. Ants go out and keep themselves engaged with work so as to secure their future. By so doing, they become prosperous.
• Ants are focused. Contrary to popular belief, ants keep their eyes on the goal because they realize that broken focus not only hurts their existence but the colony as well. Although they have average eye sight, their eyes are superior for movement detection. In other words, their eyes become focused when it comes to movement and progression. The incredible focus is born out of a plural goal and not a singular goal. The pain of not having enough for their fellow ant.
• Ants are dependable. Their fellow ants can count on them when they are in distress. Whenever there’s a wounded ant, another ant attempts to mobilize others to come to the rescue of the wounded ant.
• Ants are tenacious. Ants never give up till they are dead. When one access path is blocked, ants look for the next access path.

The list provided above is not an exhaustive one but I hope these nuggets help you as you navigate through life. For those of you who are lazy, I hope that your pain pushes you to adopt some of these character traits. Others of you may feel exhausted and feel like giving up. My word of encouragement to you is to keep pushing because it’s almost midnight and joy comes in the morning.

I hope you get the courage to step out like the blind Lepers who asked why they should sit idle till they die. When life throws curve balls at you during your fight to secure your future, remember to maintain your focus like Nehemiah who was determined to build his wall. Remember to look out for your kin. Finally, when one door of opportunity refuses to open, don’t give up – simply look for the next door that will open for you.

Still learning,

John B.

"The next thing we have to do is take action or put the plans in place to regain our identity."