Arnold Lobel wrote a series of books, which on the surface appear to be children’s books, called Frog and Toad. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that they’re for adults, too.
In one particular story, Toad is admiring Frog’s garden and wishing he could have a similar one. Frog tells him that he can and gives Toad seeds to plant.
So Toad plants the seeds. And then bends over and yells at them, “Grow!” And when they don’t, he yells louder and louder without success. He complains to Frog who tells him that you can’t force life; you have to be kind and loving.
So, Toad decides to read to his seeds planted in the ground because they might be lonely. He sings them a song because they might be bored. He lights a candle for them at night because they might be afraid in the dark. And somewhere in that Toad falls asleep and awakens in the morning to seeds bursting forth into plants.
What situation or relationship in your life would benefit if you were more kind and loving?
Do something extravagant today. It can come in as little as three words, “I am sorry.” “I forgive you.” “I love you.”
Shalom, Paul
Lessons from Frog and Toad
