📝 The Wise Tree and the Ungrateful Traveller
In the heart of a dry land stood a great tree, giving shade and rest to hundreds of travellers. But would everyone appreciate its gift? This is a story about gratitude and how the simplest blessings can be the greatest.
Once, a huge tree known as the "Great Wise Tree" stood alone in the middle of a barren land. It was a haven for every tired traveller seeking shelter from the burning sun. On a very hot summer day, two travellers, Oliver and Sam, reached the tree after a long, hard walk. They were exhausted and so happy to find its cool shade. They lay down beneath its leafy branches and fell fast asleep while a gentle breeze cooled them.
After they woke up, Oliver felt very hungry. He looked up at the tree's branches, searching for any fruit or nuts, but found none. He scowled and began to curse the tree, saying, "Oh, this is such a useless tree! It has nothing to feed us. It's just a lump of wood!" His friend Sam tried to calm him down, but Oliver kept complaining.
Suddenly, the tree's leaves rustled, and a deep, sad voice came from it: "How can you be so ungrateful? Remember your condition when you arrived, about to collapse from the heat. I gave you cool shade and a soft breeze to rest. If I weren't here, you might not be here now. I saved your life, and you insult me!" Oliver immediately realized his mistake and felt deeply ashamed. He looked up and apologized to the tree for his hurtful words, and he learned to appreciate every blessing given to him.
🎯 Values and Lessons Learned
- Be Grateful for Your Blessings: We should always be thankful for the help we receive, whether it's big or small.
- Everything Has Value: Just because something doesn't give you exactly what you want doesn't mean it's useless.
- Look for the Good: Focus on what you have been given, not on what is missing.
- The Importance of Shelter: Sometimes the greatest gift is a safe place to rest and recover.
Questions to Understand the Story
- Why were the two travellers so happy to find the tree?
- What did the traveller named Oliver do when he felt hungry?
- Why did Oliver get angry and call the tree "useless"?
- What did the tree say to the ungrateful traveller?
- What did Oliver do after the tree spoke to him?
Questions to Make You Think
- Do you think the tree was right to speak up for itself? Why?
- Besides shade, what other gifts do big trees give to the world? (e.g., oxygen, homes for animals).
- How could Sam have explained the tree's importance to his friend before the tree spoke?
Questions for Real Life
- Think of something you have today that you are grateful for.
- Can you remember a time someone helped you? Did you say thank you?
- Next time you feel upset about not having something, what is one good thing you can think about instead?
🎨 Fun Activities
- Draw the Great Tree: Draw the wise tree. What kinds of animals might live in its branches? What do the travellers look like resting underneath it?
- Gratitude Journal: For three days, write down one thing you are thankful for each day before you go to sleep.
- A "Thank You" Card: Think of someone who helps you (a parent, a teacher, a friend) and write or draw a small thank-you card for them.