When Bella was attending the second grade for the second time… she had a wonderful teacher named Miss Kitty Groom. She seemed to intuit things about our daughter that we had not yet discovered. She gently guided us toward a deeper understanding.
One remarkable thing she did was give Bella the lead part in a classroom play called Juno and the Peacock, an Aesop Fable.
The peacock came to see Juno, because he could not accept with equanimity the fact that the goddess had not given him the song of the nightingale.
The peacock complained that the nightingale’s song was wondrously beautiful to every ear, while he was laughed at by everyone as soon as he made the slightest sound.
Juno then consoled the peacock and said, ‘You are superior in beauty and superior in size; there is an emerald splendor that shines about your neck, and your tail is a fan filled with jewels and painted feathers.’
The peacock protested, ‘What is the point of this silent beauty, if I am defeated by the sound of my own voice?’
‘Your lot in life has been assigned by the decision of the Fates,’ said Juno.
‘You have been allotted beauty; the eagle, strength; the nightingale, harmony; the raven has been assigned prophetic signs, while unfavorable omens are assigned to the crow; and so each is content with his own particular gift.’
Do not strive for something that was not given to you, lest your disappointed expectations become mired in discontent.
My lovely child has been laden with gifts. She is a beautiful girl. (She also has a pretty singing voice.) She has creativity in abundance, and an easy, ready laugh, and oh so much more…
And yet.
The fable mentions nothing of the peacock’s mother or her feelings on the matter… but I can assure you she had her share of troubled thoughts, and longings for more for her sweet child.
Listen, mothers, this moral serves you too. There is no value in moments of longing or discontent.
Enjoy the blessings you have…