“Don’t Feed the Evil Wolf”

I’ve observed my preschool grandchildren fling themselves on the floor or the couch or some other not-too-uncomfortable place when told to put away the wii, denied cookies, candy, chips before dinner, etc.
The older kids demand (and get) ipods, cell phones, glitzy make up, new clothes, hand held games, etc. etc.  And they pout, yell, slam doors when denied for any reason, including “there’s no money.”
I’m surprised--well maybe not all that surprised since our whole society is based on “If I want it, I should have it”-- when parents give in.
As I’ve told you-all for years, the only thing giving into a tantrum accomplishes is teaching your child that anger and selfishness are efficient tools for getting what he or she wants. I’m concerned that a whole generation has learned this lesson. Violent crimes are at historic heights, families are disintegrating. Right is wrong and wrong has become right.
Gary and I once experienced business partners who used enticement and intimidation, in equal parts to get what they want. We spent weeks and months being off-balance and worried about their behavior. These people seemed to be fond of using personal attacks and name-calling instead of civilly addressing the facts of the situation. However, Gary and I learned to meet personal attacks and name calling with calmness. We may not be able to change the way these partners behave, but we are in charge of our own emotions.
A Native American metaphor describes a battle that goes on inside everyone. The battle is between two wolves, one evil and the other good. The evil wolf is anger, envy, regret, greed, resentment, lies, false pride, and guilt. The good wolf is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, compassion and faith.
When the question,"Which wolf wins?" is asked, the reply comes. "The one you feed."
This metaphor illustrates that thoughts we dwell on are like feeding one of the wolves. If we allow anger, envy, greed, etc. to occupy our minds, we help evil grow. If we replace negative, destructive thoughts with love, hope, kindness, etc. we help goodness to flourish. No matter what is happening around us, we can control the way we respond.
If each of us refuse to be drawn into arguments or conflicts, we can make a huge difference to the way our society functions. We need to stop feeding the evil wolf, so it doesn’t thrive. If we’re persistent in only feeding the good wolf, the evil one will eventually fade away.