You Can Have Your Elephant, Honey
One of the cool things about having older grandkids is that they can read and write. So this year, when it came time for Christmas wish lists, I bypassed the parents and went straight to the kids. I printed up a questionnaire for them to complete. I took dictation for little Jack, but the girls each spent some time pondering what items would make their lists. I asked for stocking ideas, gift card ideas, and ideas for gifts they’d like to unwrap. Oh, and candy. Had to get their candy preferences.
A sampling of their amusing requests…“candy but not Twizzlers or peanut butter candy,” “MONEY,” “a realistic life-sized stuffed dog” (this from a girl with two mega-sized real-life dogs at her house), “pictures of me,” “spy kit” (what’s that for?!).
One gift that was requested was a plush stuffed elephant, and that was an easy “yes.” Here’s why…
Last fall, one of the podcasts I ran across talked about “finding your elephants.” So while I knocked out a few chores on my to-do list, I gave this episode a listen. Surprisingly, it was a fascinating presentation on developing friendships, and it highlighted several unique qualities among female elephants and how they relate to each other. I was so intrigued, I was compelled to confirm the veracity of what I was hearing. And it was all true.
First of all, these girls are tight. Scientists call their “friendships” an “elephant circle.” They’re collaborative, working together to protect their young and to locate food and water sources. The saying, “An elephant never forgets,” is true. They may change companions throughout their life spans, but they still recognize each other after long periods of time by their scent and by their calls (or “rumbles”) to one another.
Scientists also observed that as the number of females in a herd increases, the stress levels go down. Having more females means having more calves, making the herd more vulnerable to predators. But the presence of matriarchs and other females aids in the defense of the calves, lowering the stress levels of the moms.
Speaking of defense, you’d be wise to think twice about ever coming against one of these girls. When a female is giving birth, has just given birth or is in any way weak and vulnerable, her “girl gang” encircles her, each sister facing outward. Then they all kick up dust to mask the scent of her vulnerability from predators. In the case of the arrival of a new calf, they “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15a) – trumpeting in celebration at the birth! If casseroles and Meal Trains were a thing, I’m sure these elephant sisters would fill up the calendar!
Just as Titus 2:4-5 instructs older women to train younger women, the older elephant sisters serve as mentors to the younger ones. The juvenile females observe the maternal behavior of their elders and develop their mothering skills by helping to care for the calves. Their strong social connection within the elephant circle helps them to mature in responsibility and leadership. They grow secure in knowing that they’ll be protected and cared for in times of vulnerability. At the same time, they’re trained to step up as defenders and guardians of their elephant sisters.
You know, God can use anything to teach us something important – even a group of elephants. I don’t have an elephant circle, but I do have a pretty strong “girl gang” – a group of Jesus sisters who’ve been in and out of my life for various reasons and seasons over the years. And it’s true – the more sisters, the less stress. I’m secure in their loyalty, their prayers that protect me, their advocacy for my good, their wise counsel, and their example that spurs me on toward excellence.
So that little girl who asked her Milly for a stuffed elephant for Christmas? She’s absolutely getting one! After all, a girl can never have too many elephants.
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‘Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:8-10
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12-14
