How do you eat an elephant?

What's your answer?

As a teacher, I find that a majority of my students get overwhelmed when they get behind with their daily assignments. Some of them just give up which can leave them 30 plus assignments behind every other student. (Yes, I count each missing assignment for at least half of my students each week.) Most of the time these students are much more interested in talking or playing games on the computer than doing any actual work in the class. They also get behind when they don’t understand something and refuse to ask clarifying questions or for help. They will come to me complaining that they have too much work and are unable to get it done.

I sit with them one on one and go over their assignments. We talk about which ones are most important and I have them write each one down in that order. Before we start that process, I ask each one of them “How do you eat an elephant?” You should see the looks I get when I ask that question! It is quite entertaining. One young man looked at me like I had grown three heads just by asking that question. I also get some funny responses to the question. My favorite response is “you just cook it!” I laugh and then let the student know the correct answer is, “one bite at a time.” After that, the student usually sits there pondering what I’ve just said. The confusion stays there until I tell them that their list of assignments is their elephant.

I’ve used this riddle so often with my students that I forget at times it has real application for me as well. A few weeks ago I spent some time at my parents going through more boxes and helping get things cleared out. My mom and I worked in the garage for a while. I then walked to the back bedroom where so much of my stuff is still stored. I opened up the closet, sat on my nephew’s little bed right beside it and let out a big sigh. This is my elephant.

I still have so much that is in storage from moving to Knoxville and back to the Charlotte area 5 years ago. My current place has no storage. I am having to de-clutter more and figure out what is really important to keep. I find this task overwhelming for a multitude of reasons. In 2020 I faced losing my job and a place to live. The task of packing things up was overwhelming. I moved back home somewhat hopeful for a job and a fresh start while grieving the loss of a job I truly loved.

Little did I know that 2021 would bring more loss and challenges. For several years all my stuff sat in storage. Going through the boxes and de-cluttering even more just felt like I was bringing up more pain that I didn’t want to really deal with. There are so many memories tied up in those boxes and bags. It is only in the last several months that I’ve been able to look at my elephant and truly figure out which bite to take. I’m taking it one box and bag at a time.

It is hard enough to go through boxes and all the memories they hold on a good day. Throw in grief and it makes things much harder. The memories and emotions that are tied up in the things I have is powerful. Which is why I think it is hard to go through them when grief is so raw. However, as the years have passed, it is time to face the elephant and be okay with letting go of things that I don’t need anymore.

When I am feeling overwhelmed with this task I am reminded of Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” This verse reminds me to ask God for peace to rule in my heart and to give me guidance as I take on the daunting task. I need God’s peace to rule over the feelings and emotions that can be overwhelming. And last but not least… be thankful! For me that is a big part of the process, being thankful.

Do you have elephants to tackle? Do you find it taxing to go through boxes of storage, like I do? Leave a comment below.