Most of us are aware of the Chicken Little fairytale. This time-told story has many similar versions. The basics and moral teachings remain the same.
Chicken Little gets hit in the head by a falling acorn or nut. The little bird wrongly assumes that the sky is falling and panics. Many other birds believe the frightened chicken. Everyone who hears the terrifying story believes it and joins the others in flight.
A large group of believers finally ends up at Foxy-Loxy’s. They never are heard of again. There are two main lessons in the story.
The first lesson is to verify what seems to be the truth. Even scientific data can lead to wrong conclusions. The second lesson is never to follow blindly what someone claims even if the facts seem genuine. Always verify facts with several valid sources before following a group, especially a frantic crowd.
We think of the story of Chicken Little because National Look Up at the Sky Day is coming on April 14. If only Chicken Little had taken some time to look up and contemplate, the little bird would have been assured that the sky was not actually falling. Mass panic would never have occurred, so all the convinced birds would have been saved.
On Look Up at the Sky Day, we all are encouraged to spend some time relaxing under the vast sky. Notice what you see. Maybe ask what is natural and what is manmade. For example, the sun is natural, while a jet is not.
Wonder about the impact these sky objects have on humans. What is good or not so good? What is the benefit of each, and what are the potential dangers?
This reflection exercise can be done during the day or wait until darkness if it is a clear night. Maybe share the experience with a family member or friend.
Look Up at the Sky Day was started by Jack Borden. One day, Jack needed a rest, so he reclined in a verdant field. When he awoke from his nap, he was startled by the brightness of the sky. He felt he was seeing the sky for the first time in his life.
Jack realized he was wasting his life looking down. Inspired, he dedicated his time to encouraging others to look at the sky. Borden took his message to schools as he believed children should be encouraged to enjoy the wonders of the sky.
Not only is it important to look at the sky, but it is also necessary for good health to get away from computers and devices, get up and walk around.
The full moon comes on April 12, so do not wait until the 14th to look up. Enjoy the spring night by gazing at the gentle Pink Moon, so called because this full moon comes during a time of blossoms. The name does not relate to the color of the moon itself.
The late appearance of the first full moon of spring accounts for the late date of Easter this year. According to tradition, Easter cannot occur until after the first full moon after the vernal equinox.
Look Up Day encourages us to be aware of sky events. The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on the night of April 21-22. Plan to view the nighttime sky show. Find somewhere in the country away from city lights.
The date, April 14, commemorates Borden’s birthday. This is a lovely time of the year for relaxing outdoors. Hopefully, it will not be raining. Regardless of the weather, go outdoors. Look up. Maybe contemplate the lessons of the Chicken Little story. At best, marvel at the vastness.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
