Fox and Stork

To give without joy, not only carries no merit, but engenders afflictions.慈濟靜思語(六)張顗溱 劉子滎 Good morning Ladies, Gentlemen, and honorable judges. Today I'm going to tell a story about the Fox and the Stork. "Fox, I’ve lost my appetite, I haven’t had a decent meal lately. I need to find some delicious gourmet to bring back my appetite." "Is that right, I thought, you looked a little pale and skinny…" the fox said. "You think so. I’m worried." "Oh! Don’t worry too much, you will be all right." Later, the stork received an email from the fox. "Why! It’s from my friend Fox." "To my dear friend Stork, I hope all things are well with you. If you are free for dinner tomorrow, you are invited to my home for a special meal. Who knows, you might just get your lost appetite back." "What a friend, of course, I will be there!", the stork said. Next day, the stork visited the fox’s house. And they had dinner together. While the fox was enjoying the gourmet beef broth. The stork failed miserably to have even a single drop of delicious beef broth. "What’s wrong Stork, please go on 'eat up!', I’ve specially made the soup just for you…" "I’m so sorry, I was really looking forward to this dinner. But I’m afraid I’ve such an upset stomach. It must be the pizza I had for lunch." "What a shame! And it’s such good soup too! Too bad! Maybe next time…" "Yes, of course! Next time, you must have lunch with me." Oh my~ The fox had planned ahead to make fun of the Stork. What a mean fox, Oink~ Finally, it’s about time, the Stork invites me for the dinner. "Thank you for the dinner last time. I would like to treat you this time. Let’s have dinner together tomorrow. I have prepared a delicious gourmet just for you." "Oh, I’m so lucky! Free delicious gourmet, and the Stork still doesn’t know, she has been tricked," the Fox said. The next day, Grinning and gloating fox went to the Stork’s house for delicious meal. While the stork was enjoying the gourmet shrimp dinner. Now I understand this was the Stork’s plan. "Stork, my friend, is this for me? I mean, the long necked jar?" "Of course, my dear friend, beautiful and expensive jar just for this occasion. No expense is spared for my best buddy. Now, don’t be modest, Eat~" Then, the fox realized that he has been outsmarted by the stork. And thought backed on the prank he had played on the stork a few days back. The fox felt shame for this actions. Unable to eat a single bite, the fox held on to his hungry stomach. This is the end of my story, thank you.