A Place of Safety
At the end of a quiet street, in an older established section of the town, sits an acre of land that has become a type of urban forest. There is a small creek that runs through the foliage keeping it green and growing. The owner originally planned to use the land for occasional storage of construction items from his business. He placed some large pipes in a small corner of the property, leaving the rest of it untouched.
As nature will do when left undisturbed, grasses grew and trees expanded and wild flowers sprang forth.
Awhile later, the family spotted an occasional deer as well as other woodland creatures. Since they were animal lovers of the best kind, they made a conscious choice to leave things as natural as possible. They piled up some fallen tree limbs, added a few other wooden items that were suitable for animal habitats, and watched their tiny sanctuary fill up with life.
They noticed the first marmots about ten years ago. They were naturally skittish and quickly hid if people were present. Now, there are several marmots on the grounds but it has been only in the last 2-3 years that they will come out and stay in the presence of humans. Perhaps it is a learned behavior, taught by generations of marmot parents that their home is a safe haven even from those 2-legged creatures nearby.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to come and take some photographs of this special place and its inhabitants. One of the first things I saw was a rather large male marmot sunning himself on the top of the pile of pipes, watchful but seemingly unconcerned.
It took time and effort and deliberate decisions to create this protected environment for the local wildlife. It didn’t happen overnight and it certainly didn’t happen by chance. They were careful and kind because they knew that trust can be easily destroyed, especially when dealing with animals.
But I think people respond the same way too.
As we struggle with our natural-man tendencies and figure out how to become our best self, we hope for patience and time and a safe place to wrestle with our humanity, especially among our family and friends.
As we seek for understanding and compassion for our shortcomings, may we remember to extend that same courtesy to others. Often in our stressful world, we unconsciously want mercy for ourselves but justice for others. Creating a safe place takes deliberate decisions of kindness and choosing charity over all else.
The French essayist Joseph Joubert, said long ago:
A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve. Click To Tweet




G.
April 12, 2016 @ 1:52 PM
Love it! Thanks for the inspiration as always.
Mary
April 12, 2016 @ 2:06 PM
Thanks honey!
Kathy
April 14, 2016 @ 8:37 AM
“They were careful and kind knowing trust can easily be broken..”
Such truth.
“..Mercy for ourselves and justice for others…”
Again you speak such truth.
We can learn a lot about ourselves and the world around us from your precious insights.
Well done sister!!
Mary
April 14, 2016 @ 9:38 AM
I cannot ever tell you adequately enough just how much your constant support means to me!! You keep me going…and you make an excellent photography companion :-)
Jen
April 14, 2016 @ 9:30 AM
Great Picture and Great Story. Thanks for the reminder to be kind!
Mary
April 14, 2016 @ 9:40 AM
Thank you Jen! Its a hard thing to do sometimes in our world, isn’t it? To not react but to actively chose to be kind no matter what. It’s my #1 goal for the year :-)
Mary - The Boondocks Blog
April 14, 2016 @ 12:28 PM
Wise words indeed Mary. And in this day and age of mistrust and deceit, it is indeed a difficult thing to do. We also need to be sure of ourselves and very selective of whom we open ourselves up to. On the other hand, an act of kindness can be a very exhilarating experience that will make us feel very human and not just part of the rat pack.
Mary – The Boondocks Blog recently posted…The Crafty Bottom – Ενας Χειροτεχνικός Πάτος
Mary
April 14, 2016 @ 5:46 PM
That is the hard part for me Mary, finding that balance between protecting yourself and your family and being open enough to feel the pull of kindness in someone’s direction…which sometimes puts you at their mercy. It’s a hard world but at the same time full of beautiful people.
Sarah Jacobsen
April 14, 2016 @ 9:22 PM
How easy it is for me to want to create a safe place for animals. That is something my livelihood depends on. But how soon I forget the most important living things all around me; my family, friends, and neighbors who also need a safe place. Thank you!
Mary
April 15, 2016 @ 7:57 AM
You do a Wonderful job on all fronts Sarah! I love the constant concern over the care of the animals under your stewardship and your devotion as a mother is beyond reproach. It does take a special effort in our busy world, doesn’t it, to extend that to those outside our care but not outside our influence.
Mackenzie Glanville
April 16, 2016 @ 10:11 PM
Really made me think reading this! Although you always do. I come to your blog and I feel a sense of calm come over me. I don’t know if I can put into words how I feel. I see a post written by you and I feel like I let out a long held breath, and then I read with anticipation because I know I will be taught something and touched in a spiritual way. And you never disappoint. You have a gift, I hope you know that. #mg
Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…Living a perfect life #FridayReflections
Mary
April 17, 2016 @ 8:07 PM
Oh Mackenzie! You are so good for my self worth! Sometimes, it feels like I’m not making a difference, then I hear from you and all is right in the world and I can keep moving forward. You my friend, have a gift of giving encouragement and support in the most profound way and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! xoxo
Nikki Frank-Hamilton
April 18, 2016 @ 8:44 AM
Mary, you are making such a difference, as you see your post are like a ripple in the water, one person reads and feels the calm and sereness of the post, and then the next, and the next. Soon your words will be crashing onto the shore, sending good thoughts and calm through us all. You are a blessing to me and to all those who read. Keep ’em coming! xx
Mary
April 22, 2016 @ 8:08 AM
Thank you so much Nikki! In the mouth of two witnesses….
This is where it is such a blessing to be part of your tribe, the learning and growing and supporting are a constant. You give me strength my friend! xoxo