The Wildebeest

Thursday we saw wildebeests for the first time. They are often not valued as attractive specimens of God’s creations. One person said, “They are the ugliest animal I’ve seen.” A native said, “They aren’t too keen (smart).” And they are among the slowest running of the antelopes.

But I like the wildebeest. He has interesting stripes and a mane and a beard. He nods agreeably as he walks. He seems content with his lot and he has a lot of undervalued qualities as he works to “fulfill the measure of his creation.” They migrate hundreds of miles each year, so he must be hard working. And they move in large herds so he must be a team player, or at least good at getting along with others. Zebras and other game often mingle with the herd so they are accepting of diversity. Perhaps most important from the predator’s point of view is that wildebeests are an easy meal for cats, crocodiles, and even hyenas. So they perform a great service.

I think there are many wildebeest kinds of people who go along quietly living out their lives the best they know how—working hard, being obedient, sacrificing for others—with very little worldly praise or reward. Sometimes those wildebeest people are even being mocked or looked down on by others. But they move forward. I think God likes the wildebeests.

I suppose the moral of the story is you can be homely, not so smart, and a bit slow and still live a happy life and be of value.