Moorings on Monday

I was so excited at the end of last week. Someone linked to my Website Wednesday blog of Finding Dulcinea. I thought I won the Pulitzer. No exaggeration; I was psyched. It’s like I went from teaching a course in cursive writing in elementary school to a chair at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Princeton (where, since they are all scientists, they may need a course in cursive writing.)

Then the unemployment figures came out and over one-half million Americans had lost their jobs. Thinking about the dearth of social services in this country and the angst these people must be feeling with no job, no health care and diminished unemployment benefits, my heart cringed.

And it’s not going to get better. Some yahoo Senator from Alabama is on TV decrying the stimulus bill as a descent into socialism; what we need are tax cuts. I can’t believe a variation of “Better Dead than Red” theme is playing its way into the opposition to the stimulus bill. (Not that I think this bill is even close to the answer we need; but I know tax cuts, which always benefit the rich, are just the way to modern day feudalism.)

Then I thought about the children in the families where parents have lost their jobs. Kids worry. Kids worry nightmare style and many times they don’t communicate these fears. (The most horrible literary example of this is the actions the son takes in Jude The Obscure.)

I don’t think you can always allay kid’s fears but there is a great book which may be helpful. It’s called Zen Shorts, a Caldecott Honor Book, by Jon J. Muth.

It’s about three young children who meet Stillwater, a panda who carries a large, red umbrella. Each one visits and befriends Stillwater and is told a short zen parable: A Heavy Load; The Farmer’s Luck; and Uncle Ry and the Moon. (In these tough economic times, it’s good to know that these parables are free on the web, though the book is so much more delightful.)

Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive with parents saying that children as young as 4 enjoyed the book. One review: I read this to my children last evening. It resulted in a lengthy discussion about anger, giving, forgiving, wealth, and life. The only negative review was that it’s a great book for adults but not a page-turner for kids. I agree with that. This book should be read with the child for maximum benefit.

Stillwater teaches the children about letting go of anger; letting go of possessions; and accepting the good and bad of life.

It has all been said before: Matthew 19:16-22 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Or in All Things Shall Pass Away by Theodore Tilton:

...’Mid the revels of his court,
In the zenith of his sport,
When the palms of all his guests,
Burned with clapping at his jests,
He, amid his figs and wine,
Cried: “Oh, precious friends of mine,
Pleasure comes, but not to stay —
Even this shall pass away.”...

But all platitudes, wherever you find them, can use charm and a large panda.