There
is an Amerindian legend in Guyana called “The Caiman’s Fire”. According to
this legend, Caiman held the ball of fire in his mouth and never shared with
people and other animals. Caiman enjoyed cooked food every day. People and
animals also wanted to try the cooked food and they came to like the enticing
taste of cooked meat and fish. Hence, they had a deal with Caiman to cook the
food for them with the fire that he possessed for which they had to give him
some share from their hunt. This deal was good for Caiman but gradually Caiman
became selfish and take big share from others hunted. Eventually people and
animals wanted to have fire for themselves but they failed all the attempts to
get it from the mouth of the Caiman. Hummingbird had a trick to open Caiman’s
mouth so that they can get the fire out of him. Caiman was invited to a banquet
where there was food and drink. During this banquet every animals would do some
acts to make Caiman laugh and open its mouth but Caiman was very cautious not
to open its mouth lest fire fall out of his mouth. Everyone took turns to crack
jokes and funny antics; everyone roaring with laughter except Caiman. Animals
showed off their skills, and while everyone laughed and was having fun, the Caiman
did not even break a smile. The birds did magnificent swoops in the air and
brought expression of “oohs” and “aahs” from the guests but the Caiman remained
as glum as ever.
Finally,
green-tailed Jacamar began a very funny dance. As the Caiman looked on, he
suddenly gave out a loud chuckle and burst out in loud laughter. Immediately,
flames spurted form his mouth. All of a sudden, the hummingbird – as swift as
every – flew into the caiman’s mouth, grabbed the ball of fire in his beak,
flew away with it, and dropped in on a pile of dry wood. In no time, a great
fire sprang up, and there was a mad rush to collect pieces of burning wood.
There
are three kinds of people that cross our lives:
Closed fisted Person: These are like
Caiman who refused to share the ball of fire with others rather kept it tightly
closed in its mouth and also grabbed share from the innocent hunters. These
persons come into our lives but create a negative impact. In turn, they have
the power to control us. We try to dance according to their tune so that we
might one day get what we lack.
Pope
Francis says, "Tenderness is not weakness; it is fortitude. It is the
path of solidarity, the path of humility. Please, allow me to say it loud and
clear: the more powerful you are, the more your actions will have an impact on
people, the more responsible you are to act humbly."
Open fisted Person: These are like
other animals that showed off their skills in order to get the ball of fire
from the mouth of the Caiman. They could be our parents, family, friends,
teachers, and colleagues etc. who share their knowledge and wisdom so that we
may be able to spurt out our best. These are people who will do their bit to
contribute to our growth. They open their fist of knowledge and wisdom to share
with us.
Pope
Francis says: “Teachers, you have to teach not just the subject, but also
life’s values and habits.”
Open arms person: These are like the
Jacamar did the final dance to convince the Caiman to open its mouth and it
did. Parents at times become Jacamar to get the best out of their children.
They make their ultimate sacrifice to get the ball of fire from their children.
They go to any extent to convince their children that they can do it. They
never give up and never tire or retire but keep pushing. Their arms are always
open to embrace and release when needed. They embrace with open arms when we
fall and release us with open arms when we are successful.
What kind of person am I?
