The Snow Leopard's Cousin

Snow Leopard ~ Opal

When looking at the evolution of wild felines it is interesting to note that the cheetah is structurally the most similar to the snow leopard. Hmm, not what I was expecting. Both of these beautiful cats are adapted for different extremes. Cheetahs are built for speed and precision turning. Snow leopards are built to withstand the cold and navigate rocky cliffs. Despite obvious differences, the cheetah and snow leopard share a couple similarities. They have relatively small canines and a short rounded skull. It is difficult to say what these similarities indicate other than a close family relationship. 

I would hope that despite any obvious differences, we can find common ground in our own families. Whether your family is chosen or biological, I hope you can build love and unity from this commonality. I had a friend that was having a terrible time getting along with their roommate. Their differences were so stark at first they seemed to have nothing in common. But my friend was determined to find something they could relate on. My friend finally asked, "Have you been to Africa." The roommate responded that they hadn't been to Africa and neither had my friend. From this inconsequential commonality the two were able to foster, if not love, a mutual tolerance for each other, knowing that they did indeed have something in common.

Just like these two unlikely roommates, sometimes it is hard to get along especially when we are all all so different. I pray that each of us can find it within our hearts to love our families unconditionally, because family is not just an evolutionary phenomenon. Family is a gift. 

Snow Leopard ~ Opal was a costumer request and as such is not for sale. However, check out the Shop Painting page to find available merchandise.