Bambi or Lion King?

This story was popular on the internet a few weeks ago.  A young deer leaped into the lion exhibit at a local zoo.  Clearly, the lion was startled as lunch materialized right before its eyes.  Surely, the deer did not realize the danger until after it landed in front of the lion.  The crowd cheered as the dear finally made a narrow escape.  Unfortunately, the deer was put to sleep due to internal injuries sustained during this event.  This unusual situation made me question how many times I've acted like the deer or the lion.

I hate to admit that I've been the deer on several occasions.  How many times have you jumped into situations without looking or understanding the consequences?  Even when you emerge from the situation unscathed, the damage suffered can be life altering.  How about those that identify with the lion? Patient and skillful, the lion jumps on the new opportunity and seeks to turn it into something positive.  Due to captivity, the lion's hunting skills are dull which allows the deer to escape. The lion loses lunch and the deer loses it life.  A sad ending to a very unusual story.  How does your story end?

Whether you identify with the deer or the lion, we can all  learn lessons from this story.  The most important one is to always look before you leap!