As Strong As ... ...

The saying is 'as strong as an ox' which implies that strength is synonymous with size and brute force.  I guess it depends on what you mean by strength.  I think there is a kind of strength that has nothing to do with size or brute force.

A few nights ago we had a terrible storm that blew down part of our fence in the back garden - the gardener is coming next week to repair it.  Last evening I was watching the programme 'Springwatch' and their conversation was about the storm and the consequent floods and its effect on the wildlife.  Every year 'Springwatch' present their programme from a different location and this year it is from Wales.  Over the weekend Wales has suffered terrible storms and floods due to the amount of rain that has fallen and the water pouring down from the mountains and the rivers not being able to contain it.  Sadly there was loss of habitat and wildlife.  But the presenters were (and I was also) amazed at the precarious looking nest of a Goldcrest.

The Goldcrest is the smallest British bird and yet this tiny creature was still sitting on its eggs in the nest keeping them warm and sheltered from the conditions until they would hatch.  Other bigger creatures had perished but this tiny bird that weighs only a few grams showed a tenacity and strength beyond its appearance.  The nest swayed in the branches of the tree but it stayed put.  When at last the rain stopped and the clouds cleared for a short time there was such a cacophony of sound from all the birds, insects and mammals that emerged as though they were singing praises for their deliverance.  What lessons to be learned!  It reminded me of my online friend Joanna in Latvia who has a rather lame chick who apparently has quite a personality and won't give in but keeps trying to keep up with the others. 

Joanna's little lame chick (courtesy of Joanna's blog)



Thinking about that little Goldcrest, I felt quite a wimp when I snuggled up in my comfortable bed with my lovely duvet.  I want to change the saying to 'as strong as a goldcrest'.