by Donald Hancock

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

Love And Need Can Sit On The Same Log.

"Trees are trees and that is that!" said Peter Mole. "But it just isn't right for that bunch of beavers to just cut down the whole dang forest," replied Howard Squirrel. "But more trees will grow!" argued Peter. And so, the "do gooder" Howard and the "practical" Peter had come to an impasse with their conversation on ecology. "So, why don't you two take your case to Henry Owl?" suggested Henrietta Deer, the president of the Lower Forest Association. "That sounds like an excellent idea" agreed both verbal belligerents.

So they went to Henry's home and knocked on the bottom of his tree. "Whoo?" hooted Henry. (You thought maybe he would say, "Tweet tweet"?) Just Peter Mole and Howard Squirrel" they shouted. "Up to your old argument about 'Global Warming' are you?" laughed Henry. "Be serious, Henry. We've both been convinced that Global Warming is real and that we must consider it as part of the challenge of the future", said Peter," but if the beavers have to go by Howard's guidelines, they won't be able to dam the stream and build new homes for the next generation of beavers".

"But if they keep cutting like they are now the forest can not keep up with growing new trees fast enough "retorted Howard. "Can you give us a principle that will allow us to build for the future and at the same time respect the fundamental needs of an enlightened and appropriate ecological philosophy?" droned Peter. (He always came across as being just a little bit "faux erudite").

"Well", began Henry, as he looked up in the air as though searching for the answer in the clouds, "Here is what I can say about that. 'Need' and 'Greed' can not sit on the same log for very long because 'Greed' will keep moving over, inch by inch, 'til 'Need' falls off the other end.But 'Love' and 'Need' can live and thrive on a fairly small log for generation after generation. You see, 'Love' gives need all the room it requires to live and grow. But as it grows, 'Need' learns how to use other resources besides those provided by the limited room on the log.

So, gentlemen, what I am saying is this. If the beavers cut down trees with the motivation and guidance of greed, then the forest is, indeed, in serious trouble. But if the beavers can truly become motivated by love for the forest and respect for the needs of all the animals and living things in the forest, then everyone concerned will find ways to have enough food, shelter, dams, water enough of everything for everyone. And Nature, which is always motivated by love and respect for all of its children, will furnish all that you need on earth for as long as you stay here."

"Makes sense", said Peter. "Might take a bit of thinking it through to figure all the ins and outs of it. But it sounds like the way to go".

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