Skunks and Such
May 12, 2010
Driving over to church today, we passed a dead skunk by the side of the road. It occurred to me that skunks are really quite pretty animals, with their shiny black fur and crisp white stripes. Then, of course, I thought of their smell. As far as I know, there is no creature that likes, or even tolerates, the smell of a skunk. Dogs downright glory in the smell of poop – they will roll in it, cover themselves with it, even eat it. But they run from the smell of a skunk.
If there was something about me that nobody could tolerate, it would bother me. But it doesn’t seem to bother a skunk. In fact, one gets the impression they sort of revel in the power it gives them. And that is what happens to humans when nobody loves them. They turn to power instead. Then, the more power they get, the more their ability to love, even to receive love, wastes away. Maybe skunks are a sign to us, a warning, about the potential for human toxicity – that we, too, might be or become noxious to anyone who comes near.
What if some such human skunk began receiving love? Would the process work in reverse – the more love they receive, the more the need for power diminishes? Would others then begin to see and admire the beautiful jet coat with its crisp white stripes?
It sounds like pie in the sky, doesn’t it? But that seems to be God’s plan for each one of us.
May 13th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Wow, Susan. You have been on my mind lately. I have prayed for you since we were together last year at the Friends of St. Columba ingathering. I am so glad to find your site here. This post reminds me of that discussion. I believe this is one of the ways that love truly conquers –with the small, one-at-a-time decisions to believe we are each created in the image of God no matter what our past actions may have been. You remain in my prayers.
–Chrysty H.
May 14th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Chrysty, how nice to hear from you! Thank you for pointing out that key – that we have to be willing to believe in who we are in God in order to accept the grace to live it. And sometimes the opposite has become so closely bound to our identity that it seems impossible.
May 25th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Beautiful thoughts…gives me something to think about today, but what about those of us who don’t mind skunks?? are we the ones who should show love to the people??
Have a wonderful day. Luv ya-not in a stinky way-hahaha
May 26th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Perhaps the Lord has a grace for both who are bothered/annoyed by the metaphorical “skunk” and those who enjoy them. The grace of transformative challenge and the grace of fulfillment? Hmm.
May 26th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Interesting idea, Susan, that the drive for power reflects a lack of love. I’ve generally seen the need for power as a type of greed, gluttony, wanting more type of thing. Even a form of idolatry. Simple sins of which we are all guilty. Seems to me to be a matter of ordering one’s priorities, and when everything is placed second to God’s will, then it is good. Even power, if used for God, with humility, is good. It is the excess need, the idolatry, that harms us. I’m sure skunks use theirs only in self defense, and as you say, it is a reminder to love those who may not be lovable.
May 26th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Christine: I guess I see sin in general as a lack of love, and as idolatry in one form or another.
Fr. Lazarus: As always, I need explication!