The Beauty of Humility, the Power of Resilience

Once upon a time, there stood an oak tree by the riverbank, who, in a mocking tone, said to the reeds, “Look at you, unable to withstand even a sparrow. A gentle breeze and you sway in every direction, so weak and fragile. But look at me, not only can I block the sun’s rays, but I also laugh in the face of whirlwinds and thunderstorms. What you consider a raging tempest is merely a gentle breeze and drizzle to me.”

The reeds listened quietly, with a faint smile, but chose not to respond to the oak tree’s mockery. They knew that bragging and outward strength did not necessarily equate to true power and survival capabilities. Despite their seemingly delicate nature, the reeds possessed inherent adaptability and flexibility.

One fateful night, a sudden storm descended upon the riverbank. The tempest brought forth howling winds and torrential rain, causing the river to surge and roar. The towering oak tree swayed and trembled in the gusts, its branches battered and ravaged by the storm

Meanwhile, the reeds gracefully bent like dancers. Their slender stems swayed with the force of the wind, but never snapped. With each onslaught of the raging wind, the reeds adeptly adjusted, displaying their agile movements. Their tops remained held high, undeterred by the storm’s fury.