Theme: Pride

 
The proud Ant

 
Once upon a time there was a very hardworking and disciplined ant. By having these virtues and being able to do good things, she thought she was better than others and used to criticize them.

“My God, how can this Cicada live idly all day, just singing? Isn´t she ashamed of not working when she sees me?”

“Look at the Grasshopper! With those huge, weird legs! He only knows how to eat leaves all day. He should build a house for him, oh yeah!”

Once, digging the earth to build her anthill, she found a worm, which also did not escape from her malicious comments.

“Wow, what an ugly beast! Without legs or arms, with a limp body! It must be because of shame that she lives underground. She certainly wants to avoid meeting someone like me, with agile and strong legs. Poor thing..."

The Ant was arrogant and convinced. She thought that her way of living was the only correct one and that others were not good enough to be her friends.

One day, the Ant passed by a tree and the Cicada, which was on one of the branches, greeted her:

- Hello, Ant, how are you?

But the Ant, as usual, didn't even respond her and hurried on.

- Wow, Ant! Do you have no education? You never greet the neighbors - sighed the Cicada, annoyed.

- I don't have time, I have a lot to do! - Replied the Ant, hastily.

- Well, I don't think that's the point. You should learn that there is much more about people and things than you see. The Owl, for example, is considered the wisest animal that exists! And yet, she is humble and treats everyone well!

The Ant, who was already distant from the tree, did not answer. But she was curious. Was the Owl that wise? She wanted to meet her so, one day, she looked for the Owl in her tree.

- Hello, Ant! What a pleasure to have you! How are you doing? - Said the Owl, kindly.

- Hello... So, you already know me? - Asked the Ant.

- Yes, but only by sight. I watch your admirable work. In my humble opinion, you chose very well the place where you built your anthill. Beautiful plants grow there, due to the soil fertilized by the worms. There are also good neighbors around, such as the Grasshopper and others that bring wealth of life to our region. You and your home are protected by the diversity of fauna and flora. But... What is the reason for your visit? How can I help you?

The Ant, hearing Owl's first comments, has already convinced herself that she was very wise indeed. And looking at her with admiration, she asked:

- I wanted to know how you can be like this. Are you really, as they say, the wisest animal existing?

The Owl then smiled and replied:

- My friend, I observe everything around me. In doing so, I learn a lot. But you know what?

The Ant nodded and the Owl concluded:

- The more I learn, the more I become convinced of one thing: I only know that I know nothing!

- How so? - Asked the Ant, admiringly.

- I know many things, but there is still much more to learn. I don't just look down. I look up and away too. And I realize that I know nothing about the sky, the bottom of the sea, the desert, or the laws of nature. My friend, we are all part of a large and beautiful universe. I know that I am only a small part of it. We are very special because we were created by God, who is perfect in everything He does! But we are far from knowing much, and we are certainly no better than anyone.

Ant didn't even know what to say. She, who was so superior, realized how small she was before the world. So, she just thanked the Owl for her attention, said goodbye and went home thoughtfully.

The next day, Ant was different. She left the house and watched the Grasshopper's big jumps, something she could never do. She talked to Cicada and said she had met the Owl. She looked at the beautiful place where she lived and remembered, with respect, the worms.

Since that day, Ant learned not just to look at herself and feel great. She already knew how to look beyond, and she knew she was big, but not because she was better than the others, but because she was part of something much bigger.

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com