The Hard Working Farmer
December 2008
Once, a king came upon an 80-year-old farmer hard at work in the field. 'What are you doing?' asked the king, surprised to see such an old man working so energetically.
'I am planting date trees, Your Majesty,' was the reply. 'How long will it take for each tree to bear fruit?' asked the king. 'Many, many years, Your Majesty. I will not live to see the fruits of these trees.'
'Then why are you planting them, old man?' asked the king. The old farmer paused for a moment and then replied, 'Past generations planted trees the fruits of which I have enjoyed all my life. I, therefore, plant trees for the benefit of those who will come after me.'
Pleasantly surprised at the answer, the king immediately rewarded him with a gold coin. The old farmer thanked the king and quipped, 'Actually, these trees did not take many years to bear fruit. I have hardly finished planting them and already they have brought me a reward from my king.'
Source: Fable, adapted from Ruhi Institute Book 3A – Teaching Children's Classes Grade 2
Apply it: Change the focus from yourself to others
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