Better to Give

There once was a forest of trees. Each tree wanted the reputation of being the most beautiful tree. Each tree wanted to be admired by all the others. When the storms came, the trees were careful to make sure that their branches were protected. When the woodsmen came through the forest, each tree would camouflage itself to keep from being chopped down. The competition was stiff.

One day, a fox came running through the forest. The fox was being chased by a group of dogs and hunters. The fox was in need of a place to hide. All the trees denied entrance to its branches. That is except for one tree.

As the fox ran by, the tree whispered, “Climb in. Hide here!”

“But what about your branches?” asked the fox breathlessly, “Won’t they be ruined?”

“How can they be ruined by helping another?” asked the tree as it closed the lower branches up around the fox.

The hunters and their dogs raced on by. After awhile, the fox came out. He thanked the tree and hurried on his way.

That night, as the tree watched the moon rise, it invited birds and squirrels to build homes in its branches. All the other trees were stunned, but soon noticed how happy the little tree was. It wasn’t long before all the trees in the forest were covered with little animals. They too had learned the joy in serving others.