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The chameleon that our first grade teacher let us keep as class pet was a fascinating fellow, but I never truly warmed to him.

Teacher, of course, extolled his virtues because he made a supreme science lesson. She emphasized his remarkable ability to switch his skin shade from brown to green in order to blend in with his environment.

While I considered the camouflage trick impressive, it kind of irked me that the lizard-like creature could so easily make himself inconspicuous. It seemed to me that I lacked the basic privilege of going anywhere unnoticed.

My overactive six-year-old imagination even conjured the notion that our chameleon critter flickered his tongue at me in smug satisfaction.

Looking back now, however, I realize I missed the true lesson behind our class chameleon.

Every creature has an attribute that deserves attention and admiration.

We need to find the quality in ourselves and celebrate its presence. Then, just as our class pet taught me, it's OK to stick out your tongue, if others fail at first to recognize your strength.