In a jungle, a turtle was resting under a tree. On a branch above, a sparrow was busy building her nest.
The turtle watched her and started teasing. “Why do you work so hard to make such a tiny, simple home? You collect dry twigs and leaves, but your nest breaks in storms and rain, and then you have to build it all over again. Look at me! Nature gave me a strong house that I can carry everywhere. I don’t need to do anything!”
The sparrow smiled and replied, “You’re right, Turtle. Your house is strong, and you don’t have to build it. But you live in it all alone. My nest may be small and delicate, but I can invite my friends and family. We laugh, share joys, and support each other in tough times. What’s the use of a strong house if there’s no one to share it with?”
The turtle thought about this and realized she was right. After that, he never boasted about his shell again.
A small, loving home is better than a big, empty one.
Source: Narrated by Abdul Rafay's grandmother. Recorded in Lahore, as a part of Clicks and Culture, our collaboration with Beaconhouse School System.
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