Among the Zulu and Tswana peoples of South Africa, there is an ancient story that seeks to explain how death came into the world. It’s an African folktale of two unlikely messengers – the Chameleon and the Lizard – and it begins like this…
Long ago, when the world was still new, God wished to send a message to humankind. He called two creatures to carry it: the Chameleon and the Lizard.
To the Chameleon, He gave this message:
“Go, and tell the people that they will live forever.”
To the Lizard, He gave another message:
“Go, and tell the people that they will die.”
The Chameleon set off slowly, pausing to admire the sunlight shimmering on the leaves, the cool breeze on his skin, and the beauty of the world. “There is time,” he thought. “I will reach them soon enough.”
But the Lizard darted quickly across the hot ground, eager to finish his task. He ran and ran until he reached the people, shouting, “God says you will die! You will not live forever!”
And by the time the Chameleon finally arrived, it was too late. The people had already heard the Lizard’s message — and so death entered the world.
The Wisdom in this Story
This piece of Zulu mythology reminds us of the importance of timing, responsibility, and the choices we make. The Chameleon’s delay symbolizes hesitation and distraction – the moments we lose when we believe there will always be time “later.” The Lizard’s swiftness, while harsh, brought about change that became part of the natural order
In life, we are often both the Chameleon and the Lizard — torn between patience and urgency. This story gently reminds us that opportunities, once missed, may not return, and that even the smallest choices can shape great destinies.
Pause and Ponder
Take a quiet moment with your journal and consider:
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When in your life are you moving too slowly or procrastinating, waiting for the “right” moment to act?
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Are there areas where rushing ahead might cause unintended consequences?
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How might you honour divine timing – being neither too slow nor too hasty, but present and aware in your choice?
A Gentle Reminder
Life unfolds in its own rhythm, yet we are part of that rhythm too. Whether we act or delay, the world moves forward. This story calls us to move with mindful intention – neither lost in hesitation, nor swept away by haste.
Stories can spark change. May this one ignite your evolution.
