“I am still learning”
Michelangelo
The Lions and The Lambs
“You figure it out, I’m only six!” This is the lamb advising the lions! I’m sure my dear
reader, you recognize this comment of a six year old’s message which refers to an ad about ‘climate change’! We are in the throes of many changes! And not all good!
My title “ANCORA IMPARO” are Michelangelo’s words which he spoke in his 87th year!
The translation is “I am still learning!” I believe we continually learn, until our last breath!
Michelangelo has become my ‘ancient’ and my old life long buddy of learning!
The greater danger
for most of us
is not that our aim is
too high
and we miss it,
but that it is
too low
and we reach it.
MICHELANGELO
(1474-1564)
Who do you think the Lions and the Lambs are? The news anchors, well known actors and
Politicians fall under the regime of Lions! Now, the Lambs, we always think of them as the followers. But, you may be mistaken?
In the world of God, Christ is known as The Lamb! But, I think of Him as a Lion! I am the lamb
who follows!; I imagine we can do this ‘Lion/Lamb’ allegory theme to many people, movies,
games and life in general. The point is getting across one singular idea! Who is in charge?
Who are you following? Have you ever placed yourself within a story? Were you the victim,
the villain, the Lion or the Lamb? How did each make you feel? Which did you prefer?
When we’re at the cemetery ushering our loves, our friends and acquaintances off, we
stand quiet, often in prayer, and throw a precious flower onto the grave; a final physical
goodbye! In Jewish tradition the idea of placing a stone around the grave is appropriate.
The stone symbolizes the lasting of a memory which will not die! If one wishes to have
his or her ashes buried with a tree, this also has significance. The tree grows as a living memorial! We give back to the earth which by God’s graces sustain us.
While we’re experiencing everyday living, are we in charge of our ideas, our living ways or are we subjected to others’ ways? In Narnia, the story starts in a closet. We’re the ones who create our stories. While we’re living them, let’s make them interesting. My life has become
a story within a story! I’m ancient now, (88), and I’ve still not figured it out! It’s up to you!
“The Lion has roared”
Amos 3:8
The point about my blog, today, is are we really learning anything new or are we the puppets,
the followers? Are we still playing the old tunes?
The more words I write, the more ideas I receive! How did yesterday’s ideas influence me?
How can they give me a better today and tomorrow? I know that it’s definitely not practical
to live in the shadow of yesterday’s ideas but we can take a base of yesterday and build a better and new tomorrow! We don’t have to trash everything from yesterday! After all, our great masters of art, books, teachings, buildings and their living ideas would be lost! We’ve learned to keep what is precious. And in death, we practice the art of remembering those who have influenced us! Those who have given us their ideas to keep going forward to greater images. They’ve left their gifts for us to build upon! Some were Lions, some Lambs but they lived beyond their strengths and determination! They were building a better future for us! Now, we have become the Lions and the Lambs! Thank you, Michelangelo.
“ I saw the angel in the marble, and I set him free”
Michelangelo
Nancy Fraioli is a retired Benefits Asst. from Town/Village of Harrison, NY. She’s alive and well, residing in Sarasota with her daughter and family and enjoying the Floridian lifestyle daily.
Her passions are writing, reading books of philosophy, children’s stories and poetry. Her deep love is living, learning and sharing how faith, meditation, and music guide her daily life. And she loves to lunch with the ladies!