Once upon a time, there was a group of animal friends who lived in the forest. They loved to march together and have races. One day, they decided to hold a big race. All the animals gathered and the race began. The rabbits scampered, the squirrels ran and the deer rushed to the finish line. But one animal, a rock, didn't seem to be moving at all.

His friends asked him why he wasn't joining in the race. The rock replied, "I don't need to run or rush like you do. I prefer to roam and ramble at my own pace."

So, while his friends were busy racing, the rock went on a leisurely walk through the forest, taking in all the sights and sounds. He enjoyed his own company and the peacefulness of the forest. When his friends finished the race, they asked the rock how he did. The rock simply smiled and said, "I won the race of life by enjoying each moment and not rushing to the finish line."

And with that, the friends learned an important lesson about the joy of living life at their own pace and appreciating the beauty around them. The end.

Reflections

1. Why did the rock not participate in the race with his friends?
2. What did the rock do instead of racing?
3. What was the lesson that the friends learned from the rock?
4. How does the message of the story apply to our lives?
5. Can you think of a different ending for the story?