The survival mechanism of the chameleon is that it can change color to blend into certain environments. But this is a limited attribute, because there are colors not in nature that it cannot blend into. The same goes for us humans. We cannot be all things to all people, or even to some people.

As parents, we do have to wear a lot of hats and do all kinds of magic tricks to keep everyone at a minimum fed and clothed, and at a maximum happy in their pursuits. But this does not always work because everyone has flaws that don’t mesh or agree with everyone else. In other words, we are not perfect, and we know it.

I used to feel guilty because I couldn’t accomplish certain things for my children or for my immediate or extended families. But I came to realize that where I was lacking there was usually someone else (thankfully) to take up the slack. It still makes me feel bad sometimes, but not as guilty. Villages do work!

There are people who are generally honest, caring, aggressive, motivating, pushy, and all kinds of adjectives. This is a good thing, because these adjectives are needed to help motivate or guide or push those who need these things. That’s why we as humans need to need each other and appreciate each other – strengths and weaknesses – because we are not perfect, and we know it.