Theme: Respect, Education

Tangu the Bear

In a very green and flowery forest, there was a chubby and beautiful bear, with brown fur, called Tangu.

The teddy bear was very beautiful, but his beauty was worthless. And why? Because he was rude. Not even his friends and relatives wanted stay by his side.

One day, when passing by the table tennis club, Tangu knew that there would be a competition. Enthusiastic, as it was his favorite game, he became interested, wanted to participate in the championship. He prepared the uniform and attended training with great enthusiasm! However, the complaints against the teddy bear started very early.

When he arrived at the club, he used to say to the doorman, Mr. Tiger:

- Open there!

The doorman, very embarrassed, opened the door and Tangu didn't even thank him. He would start training without greeting anyone. At the end of the game, he threw the ball away, making the next player run to get it.

If he lost a match, he would come out angry, pushing everyone, complaining about the referee. There were so many complaints that even Mr. Lion, director of the club, became aware of Tangu's bad attitudes.

- He has no manners, Mr. director!

- He cannot participate in the competition!

- He’s rude, not a good fellow. He pushes everyone. He is rude.

Concerned, Mr. Lion ask for Tangu. Apprehensive, the teddy bear ran to find out what the director wanted:

- What do you want with me?

– Tangu, I cannot allow you to continue among the players. I ask you to withdraw from the club.

Very tense, almost crying, the teddy bear asked:

– Why, director? I'm a good player and I'm sure I'll win the competition!

– I know you play well, but we can't have players who don't respect their teammates. That are rude.

– But, director, what have I done?

– You seem to have done nothing, yet you don´t have good manners. Asking permission to enter, not pushing, know how to thank people. They are much more important in our life. We need to get used to respect people. So, we became sociable.

Tangu turned red with embarrassment and said, very awkwardly:

- If I change myself, will I be able to stay among the players?

The Lion thought for a while and replied:

- Well, I'll let you stay another week. If there is a change in your habits, in your way of treating your colleagues, you will be able to compete.

Tangu walked away from there and went home, thoughtful. He couldn't miss the table tennis championship. It was necessary to change, and soon! Along the way he started training:

- How have you been, Mr. Elephant?

- Hello, Mr. Monkey!

- Do you want some help, Miss Jararaca?

What would have happened to Tangu? The animals were very amazed... A few days passed and the teddy bear was becoming gentle!

When he went to the club, passing the doorman, he said:

- How are you, Mr. Tiger? Open the door please! Thank you very much!

Mr. Tiger was very surprised when Tangu thanked him.

And Tangu really changed. In training, he made effort to be polite. He didn't yell at the referee and even handed the ball and racket into the hands of the next player!

At the end of the given period, the director allowed Tangu to compete. He played so well that he even won the championship!

Everyone congratulated him on his victory, having a great party!

Tangu realized that being polite is worth it, it is much more pleasant and nice, as it helps us to have many companions and friends.

(Text from the Evangelization booklet by Editora Aliança, Jardim B.)

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com