A Parable Told

"Son, when you grow up, be careful," a father bird told his son.

"Things are not always what they seem to be," he added. The young bird listened intently, though the look in his innocent eyes say, he has yet to understand fully what his father was saying.

"Sometimes, it's safer to stay with your friends. Keep a small circle, so flight is easier," the father told his son.

"Cherish your freedom. Fly freely. That's what your wings are for. Challenge yourself. Stretch your horizon," he continued.

"Other birds may be envious," he admonished his son. "And that's probably because you fly higher, or you have stronger wings, or maybe you have more colorful feathers," he said.

"It's easy to stoop down to their level but resist the urge. You cannot change them. Instead, cherish what you have. That would be your best revenge, if you have to, at all," the father bird told his son.

The look in the young bird's eyes said he may not be able to understand the lessons yet, but some day soon he would.