The exact moment I stepped onto the bridge so did the squirrel! I certainly did not expect him there, and I’m sure he was not prepared for me. There was a split second when each of us froze. Tuning into his thoughts, I imagined him deciding whether to turn back, or to race forward – which is what he did!

We both ran, side by side across the bridge. He stayed on his side, and I stayed on mine. Who do you think got to the far side of the bridge first? I should have, since my legs were much longer. But I must confess that he won, by a hair’s breath, or should I say, a squirrel’s breath. Maybe his advantage was having four legs instead of two?

I stopped to catch my breath, but he kept up his speed, across the grass, and up the nearest tree. I walked over and stood there for a few minutes, breathing heavily, and looking up at him. He was watching me with his beady eyes, and furiously switching his tail. Swish! Swish! I’m sure he had tons to say, but was at a loss for words.

I kept thinking about the squirrel. I bet as soon as he got up the courage to come down from the tree, he scampered home, as fast as he could, to his wife and kids. I imagined that he lined them up and said, "You won’t believe what happened to me today!" I would love to have heard his description of the "monster" and what he thought of our race on the bridge.

What lessons do you suppose the squirrel learned? Here are some possibilities:

When time is imperative, make quick decisions.
Once your decision is made, act on it.
Don’t look back; follow your plan.
Give it all you’ve got.
There is room for others on the path.
Don’t let them scare you.
Size does not necessarily determine the winner.
The next time, don’t be as afraid.
Share what you have learned with others.
Feel good about yourself.
Have faith.

Notes for You:

Write, or tell, a story about an animal encounter in your life, and lessons learned.