Concerning the Truths found in Tales

Did you ever notice how the old wives tales and fairy tales always have some underlying meaning, moral, or purpose beyond the telling? Take for example the story of the tortoise and the hare. These days folks would rather be the hare, convinced that they would not stop to gloat, or stop to drink tea, and what not. They have missed the point. For it is not the speed of either creature which makes the story profound, rather it is the attitude each creature adopts at the outset. The hare was unfocused and proud, a blazing cannon out of control. Shallow and contemptible, he misjudged both the appearance and the reality of both his opponent, and himself. He thought the tortoise was inferior based on outward appearance, and he thought he was superior by the same measure. What did the tortoise do? I would imagine him to be so focused on the goal, that he does not even notice his opponent. He casts no thought toward him, extends no effort or concentration, for all his concentration is used up in the race. For the tortoise the issue at stake was not merely winning the race, but finishing it. The methods each use to run their race is reflective of the attitude of their heart and mind. Like quicksilver the hare races off the start line, assuring himself of victory as he leaves the line. He does not pace himself, and he barely looks at the direction he is headed. So much confidence is built up in him based on his external appearance that he doesn't see his glaring fault. He is doomed to failure because of that which guides him. The tortoise on the other hand does not think of himself as high, instead he consistently waddles along, never waxing or waning, never slowing or speeding, and always conscious of his focus.
What manner of person are you. Is it in your heart to follow Christ with consistency, and is it planned in your mind. Have you decided that you will focus on Christ, and no other, that your ultimate purpose is to worship him? Or have you gone the way of the hare, and thought you were good enough on your own to reach God, like a loose cannon, useless from the beginning.
Some may be forward in suggesting that these things are too difficult, and that consistency in godliness is impossible, or too boring, or not rewarding. Look closely at your heart. Analyze yourself, for noone else, save God, can know who you really are. You are simply making excuses for the blasphemous way in which you live, or desire to live. Consistency does not demand perfection, but it does demand effort. If you are not willing to work hard to know Jesus, what use is it to you to try at all?
Finally, I am slowly beginning to realize how much my generation has failed in learning from the older ones. How blessed is it to look into eyes worn with age, whose hearts and minds are vibrantly consistent for our Lord. What an example one can take from them. Sadly many are too wrapped up in arguing with them concerning doctrine, music, and styles of worship. The next time you bump shoulders, shake hands, or share tea with the older generation, remember the years of knowledge in walking with the Lord they have, and pray to the Lord that you might grow to know Him in the same way that they do.

By the way, the tortoise will always beat the hare....