Theme: Change for better
The little cow's story
A wise man was traveling on foot with his disciple,
walking along dirty roads and through the countryside,
when they saw a humble wooden house.
As they were already tired and heavy rain was
approaching, they decided to ask for shelter from the
residents of that hovel, who were a couple and their
three children.
The travelers were welcomed and noticed that that family
was in great need. Everyone looked tired and
malnourished. They wore old and even torn clothes. The
poorly furnished house contained only worn out or broken
things.
As the rain was pouring down outside, the father
reported:
- We have a little cow that supplies us with several
liters of milk every day. We sold part of it and with
the money we bought some things. The rest we use for our
own consumption. In this way, we survive.
When the rain had gone, the wise man and his pupil
thanked him and left.
On the way, the disciple, feeling sorry for the poverty
of that family, said:
- What a difficult situation! Five people living
precariously! Good thing they have that cow! What would
this family be without it, isn't it, master?
- It would be much better - replied the master.
The disciple was shocked at the answer, but the wise man
explained:
- They are accommodated with that form of survival. They
live in a large place, with fertile land, water mines
and a good climate. But they cannot see the abundance
they have.
The disciple understood, but still had a doubt:
- Master, why didn't you explain this to them?
- Because it wouldn't do any good. They showed no
interest in changing anything. They didn't even ask for
my opinion. For now, there is nothing to be done, but
God is taking care of them and at the right time they
will be helped.
Time passed and after a few years the disciple, passing
through that region again, observed that the little
wooden house no longer existed. There was a beautiful
brick house on the site. Beside it, a parked car, and
large trees, laden with flowers and fruits.
The young man remembered the poor family and worried.
What would have happened? Where would they be living
now? Surely, they should have moved, sold that land to
someone with more money, capable of making all those
improvements.
The disciple went to the house and was pleasantly
surprised. It was the same family that still lived
there. The owner of the house recognized him, invited
him in and had lunch with them.
The food was delicious and so was the conversation. The
father said that one day their cow got sick and died.
And everyone spent a while desperate. But then they
realized that they had to do something about it.
- It was difficult at first, but soon things got better
- he said - In addition to dairy cows, today we have
chickens that give us eggs, a large vegetable garden and
grain crops that have given us rich harvests. And we
still have many plans to further improve and expand our
ventures.
- I'm glad to hear it - said the pupil. - I see that
your family is healthy and happy.
When the man left, the owner of the house gave him a bag
with fruit and homemade sweets. He thanked him kindly
and left.
Continuing his way, the disciple remembered his master
and recognized that he was right. The family was much
better without the little cow.
Reflecting, he realized that suffering can be an
invitation from life to a change that needs to be made.
And that, often, an event that seems to be bad is
precisely the beginning of a better phase.
The young man smiled happily and recognized that, even
in difficult times, divine providence is always taking
care of us.
(Adaptation of a story published on the
website www.acirpriopreto.com.br)
Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com
Material de apoio para evangelizadores:
Clique para baixar:
Atividades
marcelapradacontato@gmail.com