The Lazy Farmer

After a rainy night, the roads were muddy and full of puddles. Farmer Raju drove his horse cart to market to sell hay. Suddenly, a wheel sank deep into the soft mud.

The horses pulled and pulled, but the wheel sank deeper. Raju climbed down, looked around, and found no one to help. Instead of trying, he sighed and shouted at the sky.

“I am so unlucky! Why did this happen to me? Oh God, come and help me!”

After a long wait, God appeared. “Do you think the cart will move if you only stare and complain?” God asked. “Did you try to lift the wheel yourself? Put your shoulder to the wheel. Help yourself—and help will follow.”

Raju felt ashamed. He bent down, pushed with all his strength, and urged the horses forward. Soon the wheel rolled free!

Raju thanked God and continued to market with a lighter heart and a stronger lesson.

Moral

God helps those who help themselves. Do your part first—effort opens the way.