A small bug crawls across your desk at work. It is too tiny to label. Who knows to which category of tiny winged bug creatures it belongs. Your impulse is to squish it. Of course. But have you ever asked yourself why?
To those within the spirituality of traditional Hindu yoga, they would say that reincarnation forces them to be mindful of all creatures, embracing non-violence with all living things.
Let me establish, I do not believe in reincarnation. Yet I do like to pose the question “why” with everything I do.
Why do we kill insects that pose no harm to us? Because it is the easiest way to rid them from our houses?
How many of us are guilty of squishing bugs we come upon when outside? Why? Don’t bugs live outside?
Have you ever swallowed your fear of their unknown powers long enough to examine their design? Some insects have the most amazing brush strokes of God on their backs. Why would God take so much time on creatures so small? I believe God takes delight in all things He creates. And if God takes delight in them. Why shouldn’t we?
I have a completely different view on bugs since moving to Africa. I too used to squish any bug insight. Now I’m more like, “hmmm there’s a bug.” for example I just walked by a slug in front of the dishwasher. Am I going to do anything about it? Nope.
What an interesting perspective. I bet there are a lot of amazing bugs in Africa. Thank you for sharing!
I always kill bugs that are inside the house. I don’t usually kill the ones outside unless I think they’re a threat. I hate slugs, so if I found one in the house I’d get rid of it one way or the other. They’re bad for the garden too. There are such an overabundance of insects, it wouldn’t even matter if we killed all the ones we see, there would still be more than enough. Some insects that we consider disgusting are actually helpful. Maggots do a good thing when they feed on a dead animal. Otherwise it would rot and spread germs and disease. I’m sure there are a lot of interesting things we can learn about insects. But we don’t have to feel guilty if we kill some in order to protect ourselves and our food supply.
It’s true. It seems they aren’t in danger of becoming instinct any time soon. But you could say that about a lot of beautiful living things. Personally, it’s not a good enough reason for me.
Good point about maggots. There are a lot of bugs we think are gross. But God has given purpose to all things.