Today ended up being an "creeping things" kind of day. During our ( the kids and I) morning walk we decided to deviate from our usual route and stumbled upon an armadillo carcass. The kids had a great time snapping pictures and identifying all of the bits.... but were quite saddened by how this armadillo could have happened upon its fate. They decided that it had probably been hit by a car and then that vultures had eaten the flesh. Bears and dogs were rules out since so many parts were still intact and the kids were sure a larger animal would have done more damage. We also talked about the birds and how they would be fed by the armadillo. It was a neat learning experience and discussion.
Here are some pics that my eldest took on my phone
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| Poor guys claw |
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| Jaw and a few teeth |
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| Spine...we found the ribs a few feet away |
The debate topic for the day by chance was " should animals be used in scientific research?"
The kids all said no immediately. They made a pro and con list and decided against any pro's. I then had the kids watch an episode of "Nick News" with Linda Ellerbee " Animal Rights or Wrongs.
" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlqQE4ADJ3M
The kids still thought that there were no pro's after watching the show. It was a bit emotional since they discussed the use of dogs in research for diabetes treatments. Being that my son is a Type 1 diabetic made the information bittersweet. My sons eyes grew wide and then teary, I could see the conflict.
While I understand the use of animals in research, I don't necessarily like it. My heart is conflicted... and so are my children's( though they are still against it), and I am kinda glad. I am kinda glad because I see compassion an respect for living things. I also see hearts that will be good stewards of our Lord's creations.
If we look at Genesis 2: 15 we see that "The LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it"
I think that the word dress and keep imply a tender caring for. To dress means to prepare or treat something in a particular way. We "dress" our children .. we treat them in a particular way. And then to "keep" to retain possession of, or to cause to continue in a specific condition. We keep things we value in a specific condition.
I think that's an ideal we should try to maintain.....
