Once there was a person named Zan who grew up in the city. But Zan wondered what it was like to live closer to wild animals. So they moved to a cottage in a clearing in the woods.

During the day, Zan worked in their garden to grow food. Sometimes people passing by stopped to talk and help. Some of their families had lived in these woods for generations. Zan learned to appreciate the birds that chirped “Wake up!” in the morning, the cicadas that hummed “Time to stop working!” at dusk, and all the other creatures that chimed in, day and night.

One day, Zan noticed someone across the clearing, hammering away, and went over to investigate. The person doing this work was excited to meet Zan. “Hi there! I’m Jaime, your new neighbor,” they said. “I’m building a lodge and nature sanctuary here. City folx need to get away from it all, sometimes! People are going to LOVE getting back to nature. This is the PERFECT location, don’t you think?”

As Jaime went on explaining their plans, Zan was thinking that having such close human neighbors in the woods might not be perfect, at all! But Zan agreed. City folx would like to visit the woods. “That sounds nice,” Zan said. “Maybe I can help you, when I have time,” And they did. Zan helped Jaime make an organic garden and some bird watching lookouts. They shared with Jaime all they had learned from the local people about the different plants and wildlife of the area.

One day, Zan noticed some walls going up around the space. “What’s happening?” Zan asked Jaime. “I thought you were creating a sanctuary. But this will destroy animals’ habitats and separate people from nature.”

“Oh, those animals,” said Jaime. “You wouldn’t believe the trouble they are causing! They eat all the food from the organic garden! And I have to build these walls because your place isn’t really nice to look at. You understand, right? Your chickens are loud and smell horrible. And I need a gate, with a lock, because otherwise, people will just come in!”

Zan did not know what to say. This was not what they had hoped for in a neighbor, nor for a nature sanctuary.

When the building was done, Jaime opened the gates for a big party. But Zan decided not to go.

After that, Zan saw the cars go in and out through the gate, carrying city visitors to enjoy the nature sanctuary inside Jaime’s walls. And that’s where Jaime stayed, as well.

Months later, Zan was surprised to find Jaime at the woods dwellers’ regular meet-up. Jaime admitted that they had been feeling lonely in their lodge. “It’s really nice when people visit, but nobody ever just drops by. The animals inside seem kind of sad, too. I’m thinking about selling the place and moving back to the city where there’s more people. You know, a real community.”

Zan had to speak up. “We are a real community,” they said. “We are humans, plants, and animals. We all need different things to live, but working it out, and sharing when we can, is worth it.” Zan thought some more, and said, “When I am outside, in our clearing in the woods, I hear Nature gently asking me, ‘How much space do you take up? How much space can you make for others?’ I imagine it’s hard to hear that question, on the other side of your wall.”

Jaime’s eyes got a little wide, but Jaime stayed silent. They had a lot to think about.

Wondering Activity

(Hand out paper and crayons/markers/pencils.)

• What are some walls in your life? Draw a wall you know well.
• What, or who, does it keep in? Who does it keep out?
• Write or draw something you like about this wall.
• What don’t you like about it?

Additional Activities

Download the Spring 2021 UUWorld Families Pages (pdf) for more activities.

Originally published in the “Families Weave a Tapestry of Faith” insert in the Spring 2021 Issue of The UUWorld.