I had a painted turtle when I was 7 years old He only lived for three years.
He used to sit with me on the couch while I watched TV and loved to be massaged on the bottom of the neck.
I outgrew turtles and never thought about them much for fifty years. But now I realize how wise they are.
Turtles have many good qualities, and none of the bad.
They live their lives in peace and harmony. No wars, no violence, no thrashing about in constant discontent trying to improve their lives. They are content with the world God made for them. Zen like, tolerant, even tempered, stoic and quietly dignified they move with respect and reverence, keeping their thoughts to themselves.
They follow all of the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.
And one day when they return to the soil from which they were born, the world is a better place for the tranquility they gave.
