The Fox & the Crab - The Æsop for Children

A Crab got tired of living in the sandy beach and decided to explore a nearby meadow for better food. However, as soon as he reached the meadow, a hungry Fox spotted him and quickly ate him, shell and all.

Moral

Be content with your lot

Be satisfied with what you have 

The peacock

Once in a distant land, there lived a Peacock, once an ordinary bird among his peers. Yearning to stand out, he beseeched Juno, his beloved goddess, for a distinctive adornment. With Juno's blessing, he was bedecked in resplendent hues of emerald, gold, purple, and azure.

The Peacock reveled in his newfound beauty, drawing envy from even the most stunning of pheasants. However, his joy turned to dismay when he realized the price of his magnificence. As he gazed upon an Eagle soaring above, he longed to take flight once more. Yet, the weight of his elaborate plumage grounded him, thwarting his desire to soar among the clouds and bask in the sun's warmth.

Moral of the story

Do not sacrifice your freedom for the sake of pomp and show

Explanation

The tale of the Peacock serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mindful consideration before pursuing our desires. In his quest to stand out, he sought dazzling feathers from Juno, only to find himself grounded by their weight. His pursuit of beauty came at the expense of his freedom, serving as a cautionary tale to weigh the costs of our desires before chasing them.

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with

the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In

each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were

two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.

During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of

footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would

walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most,

have you not been there for me?"

The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set

of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."