Pastor Ken
One morning at dawn, I pulled the curtains aside and noticed a dog traversing the park in front of my house. To my surprise, I didn’t see its owner nearby. When I took a second look, I discerned its distinct features: a slender physique, a snout with a pointed shape, and a tail adorned with long, flowing hair.
Wow! It was a coyote.
As urban development continues to encroach upon wildland areas, coyotes have learned to coexist with humans. These creatures have become a common sight in many cities across the United States. They don’t scavenge food from trash cans like raccoons but maintain their instinct to hunt small animals. The presence of trees and bushes in some cities provides them with suitable shelters and increases their chances of finding a habitat. To minimize danger, coyotes are more active at night.
In urban settings, we usually see coyotes acting alone. They use the scent of urine and feces to mark their territories, sending a clear message to others, “This area belongs to me. Stay away.” However, despite their solitary tendencies, they also engage in group activities. During the mating season, we can see a pair of coyotes searching for a suitable location to establish a den. Once the cubs are born, both parents share the responsibility of raising them. When the cubs grow up, they eventually become independent and leave to establish their own territories.
Humans and coyotes have similarities when it comes to our social dynamics. We value living with our relatives and friends, yet also want to be independent. During our teenage years, we even prioritize spending time with friends over family. Striving for independence is part of growing up. Some of us, driven by ambition, choose to venture far away in search of a fresh start. Eventually, we find a life partner and start a family. Then we may feel a sense of losing ourselves. The responsibilities of caring for our loved ones, the demands of our work, and the expectations of society can become overwhelming. If we don’t know how to manage these pressures, we will find ourselves mentally and physically exhausted, or even burned out.
The key to living a fulfilling life is to achieve a balance between our communal and individual lives. Amidst the challenges of dealing with bosses and subordinates at work or taking care of our spouse and children at home, it is vital to carve out time for ourselves in a personal spot—our own territory. If possible, we should allocate a room or a quiet corner at home where we can arrange things according to our preferences. This physical territory can serve as a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the outside world. For those who have faith, this corner can also be a sacred space for spiritual reflection and connection with God. If circumstances don’t allow it, you can still set up a “virtual space” by leaving your house. For instance, a friend of mine arrives at work 15 minutes early every day but stays in his car instead of entering the office. The car becomes his personal sanctuary. In today’s society, even in a crowded environment, simply putting on headphones or focusing on your phone signals to others that you wish to be left alone. This serves as a way to take a break from a hectic life.
As for the coyote I encountered that morning, I have no idea of its origins or ultimate destination. One thing I know: its territory is close to my home. I’m sure it doesn’t live a lonely life all the time. There should be companions and families somewhere, and there should be social activities.
