The Wind and the Sunshine

High above a country road, the wind and the sun were having a friendly argument. Each thought their own way of changing the weather was the stronger one.

Below them, a traveller walked with a blue cloak around her shoulders. The sun suggested a test: could either of them persuade her to take the cloak off?

The wind went first. It hurried along the path, bending flowers and rattling leaves. The traveller felt the cool gust and pulled the cloak closer around her body.

The wind puffed harder, hoping to lift the cloth from her shoulders. But the traveller gripped its edges firmly. She leaned forward and continued walking against the gusts.

One last gust rushed over the hill. The traveller stopped behind a stone wall to shelter. Her cloak stayed wrapped around her, and the tired wind finally grew quiet.

Now the sun emerged from behind a cloud. It did not tug at the cloak or push the traveller along. It simply sent gentle warmth onto the road.

The flowers lifted their heads. The traveller straightened and loosened her grip. She walked comfortably again, feeling the sun on her cheeks and the quiet air around her.

As the morning grew warmer, she unfastened the cloak. She folded it across her arm and smiled. Taking it off was now a choice that made her comfortable.

The wind watched from the hilltop. Blowing harder had made her hold on harder. The sun's gentler approach had helped her feel ready to let the cloak go.

At a shady tree, the traveller paused for water. Above her, the sun and wind settled their argument. Strength could be quiet, and understanding could work better than force.