Tomato hornworms get their name from the large hornlike protrusion on their backsides. They are an unmistakable creature that feeds on plants in the nightshade family such as tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. They hatch with a voracious appetite and can grow to 3-4 inches in their short 3 or 4-week larva stage. Left unchecked, these guys and gals can destroy a tomato plant in short order.
I remember the first time that I saw the adult version. I thought we were watching a hummingbird as it flitted among the flowers. It has the same flight patterns and body shape. When observing closer you can see that it is a fuzzy insect and we realized we were watching a large moth!
I was a little devastated when I found out that these unique creatures were the parents of one of the arch nemesis of my garden...the tomato hornworm.
Commonly referred to as hummingbird moths, or sphinx moths, they have a wingspan of 4-5 inches and are important pollinators of nocturnal flowers. This is a reminder that all species were designed for a purpose and we are just one of God's creations trying to scratch out a living on this planet.
Each female moth, though only living for 4-5 weeks, IF she survives the many perils of moth life, can lay 1,000 - 2,000 eggs. Thoughtfully, she places them directly onto the undersides of the leaves of plants that her babies like to eat.
As I search for these larval moths who love to dine on our tomato plants, it never ceases to amaze me, how good they are at hiding. They are so perfectly camouflaged, that when you spot one it feels like a little prize. Despite their destruction, you can't ignore God's amazing design at work, giving each creature a place in the cycle of life and death in His universe.
There are times that I give up and move on, even though I know they are there. When it comes to hunting for hornworms, sometimes you have to get your mind right and try again another day.
What does this have to do with leadership, stewardship, and the greater good of society?
Sometimes the ugly truth, just like the worm, is easy to hide. Destruction can sometimes disguise itself well, behind closed doors, in secret meetings, and back alley conversations. Destruction is spun to us in a positive light by skilled public relations teams and carefully crafted social media posts. Through empty promises from those in power who insincerely listen to concerned citizens who approach them with issues, but do nothing to solve the problems affecting society.
In the last several years, I have become so disgusted with politics, from the local level all the way to the national and global arena, that I had to disengage.
I had to walk away and get my mind right. Just as I do when I've spent an hour searching one plant for the worm that I KNOW is there.
How do I KNOW? The signs are everywhere...they leave a trail of destruction (and manure) which is easy to spot if you are observant.
There is a saying that the truth always comes to light.
Though it's a good thought, in my experience, the truth coming out doesn't solve the problem.
Many people know the truth but are unwilling to take action to bring change.
It is much easier to go with the flow. To stay quiet and to mind our own business.
For most of us, that is a full-time job!
Even when the truth is exposed, it is largely ignored.
Politicians have realized that most of us tire of the relentless search for destruction and we give up. We resign ourselves to discussing the corruption all around us but not doing anything to change things.
It's easy for those in power to brush the truth tellers off, like mosquitos. We might get a few bites in, but we are easy to squish.
We are tired of caring and it not making a difference.
I could quit looking for hornworms. Without a doubt, there are some that will remain hidden long enough to turn into moths that will perpetuate their species, despite our efforts to defend our plants.
I want my labor to produce a crop of tomatoes. Letting the hornworms win would affect me and my family in direct relationship. If I stepped back and did nothing, they would devour the fruits of our labor one plant at a time. All of our efforts would serve to overpopulate our valley with hummingbird moths and tomato hornworms.
All of my neighbors would notice that the hornworms had gotten more numerous and their yields would also be affected. If we ALL just let them go, we would be conditioned, over time to be satisfied with a lousy yield and a poor return for our labor and we may decide to stop planting this crop altogether.
In time, future generations would forget the rich taste of homegrown tomatoes and the satisfaction of picking a ripe fruit from the vine. THEN, the hornworms wouldn't have plants to feed on and their numbers would be reduced in relationship to their resources.
God places checks and balances for a reason. There are predators and prey of all species. Parasites and hosts. When there is an imbalance, there are negative consequences that can not be escaped.
This is a saga that will continue despite the lofty goals of humans to create a utopian existence for all.
Being a truth teller is the first step, and it starts with being able to be truthful with yourself. The easiest person to lie to is you.
Once you have a solid set of morals that you are confident in, you must be willing to follow those, even with it is hard.
Especially when it is hard. Because it will be hard.
We can continue to keep the worms in check, with both sides getting a little of what we want, neither side without losses. Or we can give up and let nature take its course. The worms will run rampant for a time, but when their resources are exhausted, balance will slowly return. Where are we at in this cycle today?
One thing is certain. There is strength in numbers, for better or for worse.
Which team are you on?
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