Long Horns

Long Horns

            I’ve never seen such immense horns. Instead of the elaborate multi-pronged rack of deer or elk, the two horns on the Watusi cattle at the zoo were very thick, perhaps 10 inches or more in diameter at the base. One horn stuck out at least two feet at an angle on each side of their heads. The horns looked like mighty weapons that had the potential to inflict considerable harm on anything, creature or human, who crossed them. However, they shared their territory with a zebra. The zebra didn’t like these two new zoo inhabitants in his territory. We watched when the Watusi steers wandered past a small oasis of trees into the pasture next to it, the Zebra approached and with a warning flourish turned his back side to the cattle. At that action, both backed away in spite of their vicious looking horns. The bigger horned steer ventured into the pasture several times. Each time, the mere positioning of the zebra to give a mighty kick was enough to drive the steer back. After a few efforts the Watusi gave up and stayed out of the pasture.

 

I don’t know if he had experienced the might of a Zebra kick and therefore backed away, or if he instinctively knew tangling with a Zebra wasn’t wise in spite of the weapons he wore on his head. Sometimes we have the same sort of choice to make. Do we enter an argument we can probably win or simply turn away from it? Or the choice might be whether we challenge a bully or ignore the situation?  Wisdom would send up a quick prayer about which choice to make. Proverbs 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” Unless we need to protect ourselves or someone else, following the Watusi cattle’s example to not stir up trouble makes sense. On the other hand God may show you a Godly response beyond our natural thinking that’s hand tailored to the situation and benefits everyone. Asking before responding is a good habit. Maybe if I think about those big horned Watusi steers, I’ll remember to pray before responding.