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

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com