Ostriches, Dung Beetles and Other Spiritual Masters
Have you ever thought that you might learn something from a crocodile, or a zebra, or a warthog? During more than thirty years in Africa, Janice McLaughlin has not only become deeply attuned to all that we can learn of our Creator from nature, she has also accumulated a fund of rare wisdom useful in daily life. As she tells about the wildlife of Africa, she also teaches us about ourselves and what were capable of–how we can strengthen our understanding of community from the elephant and how the hippopotamus can teach us much about humility and self-acceptance.
Delightful sketches of African wildlife by two African artists accompany the reflections. Passages from scripture about that particular virtue follow each reflection, along with a few questions for personal reflection, and some suggestions for practicing that virtue during the coming week.
Janice McLaughlin, a Maryknoll sister originally from Pittsburgh, has lived in East and Southern Africa for thirty-five years. She served as the president of the Maryknoll Sisters congregation from 2008-2014.
