Turtle on a Post

Phillip Barry in the Handbook of Magazine Article Writing, tells the following story. “Alex Haley, the author of Roots has a picture in his office, showing a turtle sitting atop a fence. The picture is there to remind him of a lesson he learned long ago: ‘If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help.’  Says Alex, ‘Any time I start thinking, ‘Wow, isn’t this marvelous what I’ve done!’, I look at that picture and remember how this turtle, me, got up on that post.'”

Jesus often reminded his followers of the need for humility. He even said, “The greatest among you will be servants,” and, “To those whom much is given, much is required.”

May we always remember the help that we have had along the way. May we give thanks – and ever find ways to respond.

Let us pray: Almighty God, In you we live and move and have our being. We thank you today for your sustaining grace and love. We thank you for the people in our lives who have loved us and challenged us and sacrificed for us. Help us never forget that we have received blessing upon blessing. May we in turn bless others. We ask in Jesus name. Amen.