sharing – Lazarus Carpenter

Once upon a time, there were two shepherds named Tomas and Eli. Both tended flocks of sheep and loved their animals dearly. The valley was beautiful, with plenty of grass and fresh water, but it was also small, and the grazing grounds were shared. One summer, as the grass grew sparse, Tomas and Eli found themselves in a disagreement. Tomas believed that the northern part of the valley belonged to him because he had been grazing his sheep there longer. On the other hand, Eli argued that the southern fields were his since he had started grazing his sheep there more recently. Their disagreement quickly grew into a heated argument. Tomas claimed,

“I have been here for many years, and my sheep have always grazed in this part of the valley. It is my right to continue doing so.”

Eli, in his own defence, replied,

“But I have also been here these past few seasons, and I need the grazing grounds just as much as you do. We both need to share fairly.”

The two shepherds argued day after day, each convinced they were right. Confused by the noise, their sheep began to stray and wander into the neighbouring pastures, causing more trouble. Finally, a wise old man who lived nearby heard about the dispute. He visited Tomas and Eli and asked to speak with them.

“Let me tell you a story,” he said. “There was once a river that flowed through a valley. Two farmers built their fields on either side of the river. Both wanted to use the water for their crops, but there was only enough for one to use at a time. They argued endlessly, each claiming the water was theirs.”

The old man paused and looked at the shepherds.

“One day, a wise elder suggested they build a small dam to direct the water to both fields at different times. They agreed to share the water equally, respecting each other’s needs. From then on, they worked together instead of fighting.”

Tomas and Eli listened carefully. They realised that their argument was causing more harm than good and that cooperation was better than conflict. They divided the grazing grounds equally, rotating their sheep between the two parts of the valley. From that day on, they worked together peacefully, and their sheep thrived in the harmony of shared land. So, the valley remained peaceful, and the two shepherds learned that sharing and understanding could solve even the thorniest disputes.

In a quaint village nestled between misty hills and whispering woods lived an old man named Elias. His hair was as white as the clouds above, and his eyes twinkled with the kind of wisdom that only time can bestow. Elias was known for his vast collection of ancient books, which he had gathered over the decades—tomes filled with forgotten lore, mystical spells, and the stories of the world long past. Every day, he would wander through the village, his weathered leather satchel slung over his shoulder. The satchel was as old as Elias, its surface cracked and worn, telling tales of countless travels and adventures. Inside, the pages of the books were yellowed and frayed, each a treasure trove of knowledge he often shared with curious villagers, especially the children who gathered around him, wide-eyed and eager to learn.

One fateful autumn afternoon, as leaves danced gently, Elias set out for the nearby forest, seeking solace among the ancient oaks. He often found inspiration there, a connection to the earth that rejuvenated his spirit. However, as he walked deeper into the woods, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows ominously around him. Lost in thought and the beauty of the twilight, Elias didn’t notice when he brushed against a low-hanging branch. The satchel snagged, and with a sudden tug, the strap broke. Books tumbled out, scattering like leaves caught in a gust of wind. Distracted, Elias bent to gather them, but in his haste, he misjudged the distance and stumbled, falling to the ground. When he finally rose, the satchel was gone. A wave of panic washed over him as he searched the area, his heart racing. The sun had set, and the woods were now cloaked in darkness. The only sounds were the rustle of leaves and distant calls of night creatures. Elias knew he had to return to the village, but losing his precious books—a lifetime of knowledge—was unbearable. He retraced his steps, hoping against hope that he might find the satchel. Hours passed, and just as despair began to seep into his heart, he caught a glimmer of light in the distance. Curious, he followed the light and soon stumbled upon a small clearing. To his astonishment, there sat a group of children from the village, their faces illuminated by a flickering campfire. They were gathered around the very books that had spilt from his satchel, their eyes wide with wonder as they flipped through the pages, enchanted by the stories contained within.

“Elias!” they cried, spotting him. “Look what we found! These books are amazing!”

Touched by their innocent joy, Elias approached slowly, a smile breaking across his face. “I’m glad you’ve discovered them,” he said, kneeling beside them. “Each book holds a piece of history, a spark of magic.”

The children eagerly shared their favourite tales, laughter ringing through the trees. For the first time that evening, Elias felt a warmth in his heart that overshadowed his earlier worry. They spent hours together, the fire crackling as he recounted stories that brought the words in the books to life. When the night grew deep and the stars twinkled brightly overhead, Elias realized that perhaps losing the satchel was not a loss. He had found something far more precious: a community united in the love of stories, a legacy that would carry on long after the last page was turned. As dawn broke, painting the sky with hues of orange and gold, the children returned the books to Elias, their eyes sparkling with excitement and dreams. He smiled, placing the books back into his satchel, now more a symbol of shared knowledge than a mere leather and fabric bag.

From that day on, Elias continued to venture into the woods, always with his satchel in tow. But now, he often brought the children along, their laughter echoing through the trees as they discovered new tales together. And while the satchel remained worn and battered, it was a testament to Elias’s journey and the friendships that blossomed through the power of stories—timeless treasures that would never be lost.