Elephant lessons

Earlier this year, you might’ve heard about an earthquake that rumbled across southern California. Yes, earthquakes are pretty common in that area. But even though the 5.2-magnitude quake wasn’t particularly notable for any widespread damage, it was somewhat significant for a different reason: what we learned from the elephants.

As the ground began to shake on that April afternoon, the elephants who reside at the San Diego Zoo had an interesting reaction. You can watch footage of their response to this earthquake here.

These gigantic animals can feel even the smallest shift in the earth below them. So, when the earthquake began… the elephants quickly formed what’s known as an “alert circle”—placing themselves in a ring around their young. Looking for danger. Keeping an eye out for anything that might threaten their well-being. These elephants, of course, didn’t know this was an earthquake they were experiencing. But they knew something was amiss. Something wasn’t quite right. And their survival instincts told them to look out for each other.

How interesting—maybe even inspiring?—that their natural reaction in the midst of fear is to go toward one another. To look out for each other. To work to protect each other. It didn’t matter whose young ones belonged to whom or where each one was. They looked out for each other until they were assured everyone was safe.

We humans could learn a thing or two from these elephants. Namely, that we’re at our very best when we, too, are looking out for each other. When we’re quick to move toward each other, looking out for each person’s safety, instead of pointing fingers or trying to figure out who to blame.

It’s no coincidence that as Jesus was dying on the cross, some of his last words had to do with reminding us of our connectedness to others. John’s gospel describes how Jesus looked down at his mother and his friends gathered together and said, “Woman, here is your son,” and to his disciple, “Here is your mother.” It’s as though Jesus said to them—and to each of us—there’s no such thing as other people’s children or other people’s parents. There’s no such thing as “other” people. We’re all in this together.

How beautiful this world might be if we could all react like those elephants did. Instinctively doing whatever we can to care for the vulnerable and helpless. Combining our strength and resources to make sure everyone is cared for. In life and in faith, we’re at our best when compassion or care is our first and greatest impulse.

-Katy Warren, associate pastor