The Monkey Man was thinking about a recent outing to one of his favorite restaurants. A couple of the monkeys from the troop along with Mrs. Monkey Man went with him. They were enjoying one of his favorite meals when the waitress came over and asked how things were with the meal. As the Monkey Man raged on about how marvelous the meal was, one of the chimps noticed the waitress had spilled a small container of butter on the floor. He was very animated in making sure it got cleaned up very quickly.
The Monkey Man and the Mrs. was thinking how nice it was that this young chimp wanted the mess cleaned up so nobody would slip on the butter. The Monkey Man grabbed a napkin that was nearby and handed it to the chimp. He then proceeded to clean off the butter, not on the floor, but on his brand new shoe. The entire dinner party thought it was very humorous that the young chimp was more concerned with the butter on his shoe than the butter on the floor. We had all assumed he was worried about the butter on the floor.
This experience got the Monkey Man thinking. How many times, do we think we know what is behind someones intent, without really knowing or trying to understand what is important to them or what their intent really is?
Was the Monkey Man any less impressed with this chimp? Not at all. The Monkey Man was impressed that the chimp would take care of his belongings. He also had pointed out the butter had fallen, when none of the older monkeys had even paid attention to it. Two problems solved, butter cleaned up on the floor and on the shoe. Way to go little chimp!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
The chimp and the rain storm
The Monkey Man was thinking about the rain storm that blew in today and it reminded him of a story.
The chimps in the monkey troop have their challenges. Two of the chimps have a real challenge with getting along with each other. This doesn't mean they don't take care of each other when the need arises. The troop was driving down the road when one of the chimps became afraid of the thunder and lightning brewing outside the car. The chimp that loves to antagonize the frightened little chimp didn't start to tease her, but instead wrapped his arm around her and helped comfort her while the storm raged outside. It was interesting to see how long this good will lasted....about as long as it took for the storm to subside.
The Monkey Man hopes each of us, will take the time to help comfort those around us, especially while the storms of our lives are raging outside.
The chimps in the monkey troop have their challenges. Two of the chimps have a real challenge with getting along with each other. This doesn't mean they don't take care of each other when the need arises. The troop was driving down the road when one of the chimps became afraid of the thunder and lightning brewing outside the car. The chimp that loves to antagonize the frightened little chimp didn't start to tease her, but instead wrapped his arm around her and helped comfort her while the storm raged outside. It was interesting to see how long this good will lasted....about as long as it took for the storm to subside.
The Monkey Man hopes each of us, will take the time to help comfort those around us, especially while the storms of our lives are raging outside.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Who's who in The Monkey Troop?
If you have followed the ramblings of the Monkey Man, you have read several stories about the Monkey Troop. You may have wondered who are the various monkeys in the troop. Today the Monkey Man has decided to let you know about each of the monkeys.
The Monkey Man: The Monkey Man is the head of the troop. That doesn't mean he is in charge, it just means he is the leader of the troop. He usually takes his orders from Mrs. Monkey Man. The Monkey Man loves all types of music. He can usually be found listening to his iPod or singing off key to some obscure song. The Monkey Man brings six chimps to the troop. Three male chimps and three female chimps.
Mrs. Monkey Man: She is the real leader of the monkey troop. Mrs. Monkey Man is an amazing chimp. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She has a wonderful demeanor, especially around the younger chimps. She keeps the Monkey Man in line and has helped him better understand the ways of the young chimps. Mrs. Monkey Man brings one male chimp to the troop with her.
Kyra Chimp: Kyra is the oldest of the young chimps. If the Monkey Man had to come up with one word to describe her, it would be....Amazing! She works very hard in all she does and is very responsible. She likes playing volleyball and likes the color orange.
Nate Chimp: Nate is like a miniature Monkey Man. He likes many of the same things as the Monkey Man. He is the Monkey Man's only biological chimp that lives with him. He enjoys sports, especially hockey, football and basketball.
Tony Chimp: Tony is one of the middle chimps in the troop and he acts the part. He has a knack for science and likes all things related to it, from the rocks on the ground to the stars in the sky. He can be a real hard worker when he puts his mind to it.
Becca Chimp: Becca is at the age where she is really growing up fast. She is very helpful and volunteers to help out the troop in many ways. She rises early in the morning and is usually the first chimp awake. When she forms an opinion, she stands her ground.
Alex Chimp: Alex is Mrs. Monkey Man's little protector and attachment, although he can be very independent at times. He loves to play video games and ride his bike. He is the other chimp living with the Monkey Man and the Mrs. He has adjusted very well from being an only chimp to being part of the big monkey troop.
Sterling Chimp: Sterling is very good at making the Monkey Man laugh. He has a wonderful sense of humor. He loves hanging out and playing with Alex. He is one tough little cookie. That may be due to being the youngest male chimp and is constantly wrestling around with the other chimps.
Kendra Chimp: Kendra is a real girly-girl of a chimp. She loves dressing up and wearing make up. One of her favorite past times is coloring. She loves coloring pictures for the Monkey Man and Mrs. Monkey Man. She is a very affectionate chimp and loves everyone.
Now you know all the members of the monkey troop. As you read more of the Monkey Man's stories, you will continue to see how the troop evolves and you may just realize how much a monkey troop resembles a human family.
The Monkey Man: The Monkey Man is the head of the troop. That doesn't mean he is in charge, it just means he is the leader of the troop. He usually takes his orders from Mrs. Monkey Man. The Monkey Man loves all types of music. He can usually be found listening to his iPod or singing off key to some obscure song. The Monkey Man brings six chimps to the troop. Three male chimps and three female chimps.
Mrs. Monkey Man: She is the real leader of the monkey troop. Mrs. Monkey Man is an amazing chimp. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She has a wonderful demeanor, especially around the younger chimps. She keeps the Monkey Man in line and has helped him better understand the ways of the young chimps. Mrs. Monkey Man brings one male chimp to the troop with her.
Kyra Chimp: Kyra is the oldest of the young chimps. If the Monkey Man had to come up with one word to describe her, it would be....Amazing! She works very hard in all she does and is very responsible. She likes playing volleyball and likes the color orange.
Nate Chimp: Nate is like a miniature Monkey Man. He likes many of the same things as the Monkey Man. He is the Monkey Man's only biological chimp that lives with him. He enjoys sports, especially hockey, football and basketball.
Tony Chimp: Tony is one of the middle chimps in the troop and he acts the part. He has a knack for science and likes all things related to it, from the rocks on the ground to the stars in the sky. He can be a real hard worker when he puts his mind to it.
Becca Chimp: Becca is at the age where she is really growing up fast. She is very helpful and volunteers to help out the troop in many ways. She rises early in the morning and is usually the first chimp awake. When she forms an opinion, she stands her ground.
Alex Chimp: Alex is Mrs. Monkey Man's little protector and attachment, although he can be very independent at times. He loves to play video games and ride his bike. He is the other chimp living with the Monkey Man and the Mrs. He has adjusted very well from being an only chimp to being part of the big monkey troop.
Sterling Chimp: Sterling is very good at making the Monkey Man laugh. He has a wonderful sense of humor. He loves hanging out and playing with Alex. He is one tough little cookie. That may be due to being the youngest male chimp and is constantly wrestling around with the other chimps.
Kendra Chimp: Kendra is a real girly-girl of a chimp. She loves dressing up and wearing make up. One of her favorite past times is coloring. She loves coloring pictures for the Monkey Man and Mrs. Monkey Man. She is a very affectionate chimp and loves everyone.
Now you know all the members of the monkey troop. As you read more of the Monkey Man's stories, you will continue to see how the troop evolves and you may just realize how much a monkey troop resembles a human family.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Monkey Man and the Lightning Bugs
The Monkey Man knows that if you look around you can find lessons all around. One evening, the Monkey Man was sitting out on the porch relaxing. As he sat watching the sun fade below the horizon, he started noticing small flashing lights around him. What were these strange lights? A strange effect from something he ate? The Monkey Man watched closely and noticed that these lights seemed alive. He looked closely, his eyes wide open as the lights flashed around him. The realization came to him that this natural light show was being created by some small, friendly lightning bugs.
As he continued watching this amazing light show, he noticed something special about his new found friends. As each lightning bug would light up, it was always moving in the same direction, upward. This made the Monkey Man think. He positioned himself in his thinking pose, his elbows on his knees, his arms bent up so his chin could rest on his closed fists. The Monkey Man started thinking that in order for him to see these little friends, they had to show off their talent and share it with those around them.
The Monkey Man hopes you can learn that in order to shine, you need to show off your talents and abilities to those around you. When you do, you will move in one direction, upward!
As he continued watching this amazing light show, he noticed something special about his new found friends. As each lightning bug would light up, it was always moving in the same direction, upward. This made the Monkey Man think. He positioned himself in his thinking pose, his elbows on his knees, his arms bent up so his chin could rest on his closed fists. The Monkey Man started thinking that in order for him to see these little friends, they had to show off their talent and share it with those around them.
The Monkey Man hopes you can learn that in order to shine, you need to show off your talents and abilities to those around you. When you do, you will move in one direction, upward!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Chin Up!
The Monkey Man was feeling really bad for one of the chimps in the troop. A situation arose which made it so the Monkey Man and the troop were separated and not able to see each other day in and day out. This was a real struggle for the entire troop, but especially for one of the chimps. Whenever the time came for the chimp to leave the Monkey Man, he would hold on to his bedposts, kicking his feet and crying that he didn't want to go. This distressed the Monkey Man so he started pondering ways to help the chimp not only overcome the struggle, but to help him while he was away from the Monkey Man. He explained to the chimp that he should hold his head high and be proud. He was the Monkey Man's son and no matter where he went or what ever happened to him, that would be the case. If he ever felt down, he should say to himself, 'Chin up!' and then lift his chin up so his head was held high. This became the Monkey Man and the chimp's code. Whenever they left each other, they reminded each other 'Chin up!'
The Monkey Man didn't realize how much this simple phrase would bond the two of them together and help both of them through some tough times. Recently, the chimp came to live with the Monkey Man. The chimp saw some similar separation struggles with a younger chimp in the troop. He leaned over to the Monkey Man and said, "Maybe you should share our 'Chin up!' secret with this little chimp to help her. I don't think we will need it as much now." The Monkey Man shared this phrase with the young chimp and saw a wonderful smile come to her face. Now whenever the Monkey Man sees this little member of the troop, a gentle reminder of 'Chin up!' rolls of his monkey lips and the smile returns to her face with a glitter in the chimps eye.
When you are going through struggles or need a boost, the Monkey Man hopes you will hold your head high and know that there is someone out there that cares about you. There is a monkey swinging from branch to branch whispering the simple words 'Chin up!'
The Monkey Man didn't realize how much this simple phrase would bond the two of them together and help both of them through some tough times. Recently, the chimp came to live with the Monkey Man. The chimp saw some similar separation struggles with a younger chimp in the troop. He leaned over to the Monkey Man and said, "Maybe you should share our 'Chin up!' secret with this little chimp to help her. I don't think we will need it as much now." The Monkey Man shared this phrase with the young chimp and saw a wonderful smile come to her face. Now whenever the Monkey Man sees this little member of the troop, a gentle reminder of 'Chin up!' rolls of his monkey lips and the smile returns to her face with a glitter in the chimps eye.
When you are going through struggles or need a boost, the Monkey Man hopes you will hold your head high and know that there is someone out there that cares about you. There is a monkey swinging from branch to branch whispering the simple words 'Chin up!'
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The Monkey Man and the Inchworm
The Monkey Man finds there are many lessons to learn, when we least expect them. Case in point. The Monkey Man found himself in a very long and boring meeting at a mountain retreat. As he sat hunched over staring at the floor, his hands poised on his chin, the Monkey Man noticed a small inchworm slowly making it's way across the floor. As quizzical as the Monkey Man is, he stared at the little inchworm, wondering where he was going, what he was thinking and wondering if he would make it to his destination.
The Monkey Man watched as the inchworm almost got squished as another primate shifted their foot and it nearly came down on top of the little critter. The inchworm continued on it's journey slowly meandering across the vast stretching floor. Then the little inchworm came to another obstacle, the leg of a chair. It paused on it's journey. The Monkey Man wondered what the inchworm would do. It slowly went around the leg of the chair and continued inching it's way along his path.
After some time, the inchworm made it's way in front of the Monkey Man, right to the base of his foot. The Monkey Man made a decision to adjust his foot to allow the journey to be a little easier for his new found friend. The inchworm paused long enough as to say, thanks for making my journey easier before crawling farther across the floor. There were many other obstacles the little inchworm came across on his journey, some bigger than others. The Monkey Man noticed the little inchworm continued on, meeting each obstacle and conquering it until it crawled to the far side of the room and out of the Monkey Man's sight.
The Monkey Man pondered about this little encounter and came to the conclusion that he should be a little more like the inchworm, continuing undaunted, conquering the obstacles in his life. He thought about how sometimes there are others that help move the obstacles just like he did by moving his feet for his inchworm friend. And just like his crawling friend, he should pause to thank those that help him in his journey.
To all those that have helped the Monkey Man, THANK YOU!!!
The Monkey Man watched as the inchworm almost got squished as another primate shifted their foot and it nearly came down on top of the little critter. The inchworm continued on it's journey slowly meandering across the vast stretching floor. Then the little inchworm came to another obstacle, the leg of a chair. It paused on it's journey. The Monkey Man wondered what the inchworm would do. It slowly went around the leg of the chair and continued inching it's way along his path.
After some time, the inchworm made it's way in front of the Monkey Man, right to the base of his foot. The Monkey Man made a decision to adjust his foot to allow the journey to be a little easier for his new found friend. The inchworm paused long enough as to say, thanks for making my journey easier before crawling farther across the floor. There were many other obstacles the little inchworm came across on his journey, some bigger than others. The Monkey Man noticed the little inchworm continued on, meeting each obstacle and conquering it until it crawled to the far side of the room and out of the Monkey Man's sight.
The Monkey Man pondered about this little encounter and came to the conclusion that he should be a little more like the inchworm, continuing undaunted, conquering the obstacles in his life. He thought about how sometimes there are others that help move the obstacles just like he did by moving his feet for his inchworm friend. And just like his crawling friend, he should pause to thank those that help him in his journey.
To all those that have helped the Monkey Man, THANK YOU!!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Lessons from the Monkey Troop
The Monkey Man has another story of goodness. This one hits close to home for the Monkey Man. As some may know, the Monkey Man's oldest chimp is planning on moving in with him and the Mrs. This particular chimp (as well as the Monkey Man) has been looking forward to this for several years and the big day is almost here.
Where is this story going, you ask yourself? The aforementioned chimp had to pay back a debt before making the move. He worked extremely hard to pay back the debt but came up about $100 short. With just a couple days to go before the deadline to pay back the debt, another one of Monkey Man's chimps offered to pay the debt for the first chimp. He even made the kind gesture of offering to pay the debt without requiring repayment. What a kind gesture! After deliberation and discussion, it was agreed that the loan would be granted and would be repaid. The Monkey Man is very proud of his chimps for showing love and respect to each other.
Maybe we should all take a lesson from the chimps in the Monkey Man's troop.
Where is this story going, you ask yourself? The aforementioned chimp had to pay back a debt before making the move. He worked extremely hard to pay back the debt but came up about $100 short. With just a couple days to go before the deadline to pay back the debt, another one of Monkey Man's chimps offered to pay the debt for the first chimp. He even made the kind gesture of offering to pay the debt without requiring repayment. What a kind gesture! After deliberation and discussion, it was agreed that the loan would be granted and would be repaid. The Monkey Man is very proud of his chimps for showing love and respect to each other.
Maybe we should all take a lesson from the chimps in the Monkey Man's troop.
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