The rat is a rodent despised by most. He forages for food at night, running to and fro, peering around corners, over and under things, in fear of being caught. Even its face, with its beady black eyes and pointed nose, looks angry and mistrusting.
A few years ago my husband and I were dining at a Chinese restaurant. The placemats had the Chinese zodiac printed on them, along with the horoscope for each animal. I was born in the year of the snake, but don’t remember what my forecast was. I was really taken aback by what one prediction for those born in the year of the rat said. It said those born in the year of the rat would never be able to maintain any long term relationships. I often wonder if this is due to the mistrusting nature of the rodent.
Upon checking the birth years of people I knew, I found I did know some “rats”. True to form, long term relationships were not their MO. This really bothered me because I couldn’t think of anything sadder in life than to be alone in yourself, without permanence, and only superficial bonds to tide you through. I vowed then and there that I would be their long term relationship and love them and hang with them through thick n’ thin.
Sounds very noble and is a nice thought. Those born in the year of the rat do not trust easily, if at all. They shut their hearts and build impenetrable walls. Maybe, just maybe, one time in their life they’ll let someone climb up the wall and peer over the top into the depths of their heart. If you happen to love a “rat”, you have to realize just how fragile that trust is. It’s like holding a trembling baby bird in the palm of your hand – don’t squeeze too tight. If you do, you will see how the horoscope proves itself true.
Love, all love, is work and it is the element of trust that makes it so. Below I offer the solution to all my “rat” people. It’s called “The Work of Love”. The Chinese zodiac is so wrong. It is possible for everyone, even “rats”, to maintain long term relationships.
And so, as another day goes by, “when truth is held in compassionate hands, the sharpness of love becomes clear and not hurtful”, and….I have written.
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