In the center of a village stood a huge old tree. For many years, children played under its shade, travelers rested against its trunk, and birds built nests in its branches. One day, a storm broke several of its branches. Some villagers said the tree was too old and should be cut down. But the village elder said, “Leave it.” Seasons passed. The broken branches grew again, stronger than before. The tree continued giving shade and shelter. The villagers realized something powerful: the storm had not destroyed the tree—it had only made it stronger. Moral: Hardships may break us for a moment, but they can also make us stronger than before.
