I want to be the Pelican

Last weekend I took my sons camping at Two Harbors campground on Catalina Island.  We enjoyed our view of the harbor from our campsite and enjoyed snorkeling in the clear water.  On our last day we hiked over to the "other" harbor.  We watched the pelicans "dive-bombing" into the water.  I don't think I've ever seen so many pelicans fishing.  We were amazed at how they could spot a fish from high up, dive, plunge into the water and come up with a fish.

Each time a pelican would come up with a fish, several annoying island birds would immediately start squawking and try to steal the fish out of the pelicans mouth.  The pelicans learned to come out of the water slowly, bringing their large bills out of the water last.  This way they could secure their catch.

I realized this was a metaphor for life.

There are those that are equipped and skilled at "catching their own fish".  These are the pelicans/producers: entrepreneurs, skilled craftsmen, tradesmen or other professionals.

Then there are those that decide to "squawk at" and take from the producers.  These are the thieves and "re-distributors".

I want to be the pelican.