The Donkey

I opened my eyes, motionless, just listening to the sounds around me..... I was awake. I laid there, just relaxing.....then I started to think about the donkey. Yes, the mule.....relative of the horse....yes, the donkey.

Have you ever noticed how the donkey works really hard and is most times weighed down with burden, yet in those burdensome times it still trod on? So there I was, musing that the donkey is really a hard worker....then I thought about the donkey getting some rest...and it shocked me almost when I realized that the donkey sleeps standing up. I have never seen a donkey laying down to sleep. After a long journey of hauling load the donkey will catch a quick snooze STANDING UP. How can you properly sleep standing up? Doesn't the donkey's feet get tired? So, deeply intrigued, I got up and typed into google "donkeys sleep standing". My research led me to information that says the donkey sleeps standing to remain alert in the event of a predatory attack as well as to keep its muscles in a state that readily allows movement and activity. I read, then I reflected on the gained knowledge with a hummed "oooohhhhh" accompanied by an educated nod of the head. So essentially the donkey sleeps standing to keep itself prepared for when its master throws the market baskets over its back much mental preparation is not needed to get cracking. The donkey sleeps prepared for future activities. Now that's an admirable characteristic.

I wont start sleeping standing ....but I'll definitely think of the donkey when tiredness, frustration, disappointment or heartbreak begin to cloud my mind and laziness creeps in. I will think of how the donkey refuse to fall to its knees and stomach when tired instead it chooses to rejuvenate itself and prepare for future events while still maintaining consciousness of the present. Not just merely throwing in the towel and lounging until the next event rolls up. I have gained new respect for the donkey.....even the gray brute that kicked me when I was a child.