We have a curious little insect here in Costa Rica that we call the “leaf cutter ant.” One day I was doing a canopy tour with a couple of buddies from South Carolina. Out in the jungle we came across a line of leaf cutter ants. The ants are curious because each one will be carrying a freshly cut piece of green jungle leaf of some variety. As the tourists gazed at the marching ants, Jimmy, my redneck friend, chimed, “you know why them ants carry those leafs like that?” An amazed tourist quizzically responded, “no why?” “Umbrellas,” Jimmy shot back with a devious chuckle. Well, the truth is that the ants don’t carry the leaves as umbrellas, even though the idea does seem a bit logical. Actually, these ants are so advanced that they cultivate a fungus in their nests that they feed on. The leaves are carried back to the nest as a “fertilizer” for the fungus. The ants also keep their fungus free from pests and molds and actually know to avoid leaves that are toxic to the fungus. And you thought bugs were stupid. I was sitting on the patio reading the other day, when I noticed a column of leaf cutters traversing the full length of my back yard. It was an impressive sight. So organized, so committed to their cause. The scene brought to mind Proverbs 6:6 where it says “go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.” Ants, unlike humans, are not endowed with that sense of individualism that would have them all going off in different directions. Unlike us, there are no ants that “march to the beat of a different drummer.” At least I don’t think so…..well maybe only in a Pixar Studios movie, but not in real ant-life. But not us…nuh uh buddy. It would take some hefty perks or a strong union boss to get us to march in perfect single file unison like that. If the organizational skills of ants are so far advanced above humans, why have they only been able to cultivate fungus? Maybe because it is our individualism that makes us special amongst all animal life. Even though we are prone to “group-think” and at times march like lemmings toward the proverbial cliff, we do at least have the capacity to detour off in our own chosen direction. To live the life of our own choosing, and not that which others might choose for us. Sure there are “expectations” that have to be met. Societal norms of how we should behave and those tend to maintain some sense of order in our lives. But, we do at least have the ability to supersede those and do something amazingly, surprisingly, even shockingly different. As much as ants do intrigue me and giving due respect to Solomon’s wisdom, I still prefer to be a “sluggard” (or, human) with that rugged individualism that incites rebellion against the status quo. I will not march in that direction today. I will not feed the societal fungus. Instead today I choose to feed my own soul and spirit and sense of purpose that is unique only to me.

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