#RevOfKindness Challenge Week 4 Kindness Role Model @NikiMeadowsWA #SundayBlogShare

Week 4 of the RevOfKindness Challenge is about Kindness Role Models

I chose to look at this from nature’s point of view. Whilst out walking I meditated on the humble bee. According to the bumblebee conservation organisation there are around 250 species in the UK: 24 special bumblebees, 225 solitary bees species and only 1 honeybee variety.

I thought about how a bee has the ability to fly between each flower and through an action, which has no malice, drinks nectar whilst providing a pollinating service. A bumblebee lives in a small colony and creates only enough honey-like substance for its own colony. A honeybee lives in a much larger colony and can produce more honey than the “hive” can eat.  Beekeepers usually manage honeybee hives and it can be an extremely peaceful and fulfilling interaction. In return for a safe home, from predators and the cold winter months, bees share their honey.

I know many people fear bees because of their sting and loud buzzing, but bees usually only sting as a last resort, or when threatened. A honeybee will die once it stings you, so it doesn’t go out intending to attack.

As I crossed a field and entered a wood, I heard buzzing which grew louder and bees darted this way and that. I stopped; on a warm June day, I suspected the bees were swarming, this is when part of the colony leave with a rival queen to set up a new colony. The bees are in search of a new home, I couldn’t see where the group were waiting, whilst the scouts went ahead, but when I passed by on my way back, all was quiet.

This week, a bee was an ideal kindness role model. As I thought about the bees, whilst I strolled across a buttercup covered knoll, my word for this came to me – RESPECT

I have always liked the folklore of telling honeybees important events in your life. It was thought that keeping the bees informed about a beekeepers family, kept the hive strong and the production of honey certain. So I shall leave you with a couple of poems.

Bees work for man,
and yet they never bruise
Their Master’s flower,
but leave it having done,
As fair as ever and as fit to use;
So both the flower doth stay
and honey run.
– George Herbert, The Church-Providence

How Doth the Little Busy Bee

Isaac Watts

How doth the little busy bee

Improve each shining hour,

And gather honey all the day

From every opening flower!

How skilfully she builds her cell!

How neat she spreads the wax!

And labors hard to store it well

With the sweet food she makes.

In works of labor or of skill,

I would be busy too;

For Satan finds some mischief still

For idle hands to do.

In books, or work, or healthful play,

Let my first years be passed,

That I may give for every day

Some good account at last.