The Wise Beaver

    By Patricia

    The Wise Beaver cover image

    17 Sep, 2023

    There once was a beaver who discovered a giant tree stump in the woods. He was taken aback by its size and grandeur. This, he thought, was the most robust base for a home that could exist. Hence he decided to claim it as his own.

    Climbing on top of the tree stump, he sat down, looking out over the woodland scene. He was deciding where to build his dream home that would stand on this solidly founded base. This place was now his and his alone.

    From his high vantage point, the Beaver spotted a smaller beaver industriously carrying thin, small sticks back and forth. The sight of this little beaver intrigued him, as he was using such small sticks to build his home.

    He couldn't help but voice his concern to the little beaver. “Hey,” he called out, puffing out his chest to emphasize his point, “those thin sticks don't look very safe to me!”

    The little beaver paid no mind and continued his work, silently going about his business, carrying the delicate sticks back and forth. His determination was something to behold, thought the large beaver.

    As he watched the small beaver's ceaseless efforts, the large beaver slowly drifted off to sleep, dreaming about the perfect home he was going to build atop the giant tree stump.

    When he woke, it was raining. Looking down from the top of his tree stump, he saw the small beaver still moving back and forth, carrying his little sticks despite the downpour.

    Ignoring the rain, the large beaver set about exploring the nearby terrain. He was looking for the perfect place to build his dream home atop the tree stump.

    As he was exploring, he couldn't help but notice that the little beaver's pile of sticks had transformed into a small dam, a safe and snug house that protected him from the rain.

    The large beaver was taken aback. His preconceived notions about safety were turned on their head. He realized that size and grandeur did not necessarily equate to safety and comfort.

    The next day, deciding to follow the small beaver's example, he too began to bring small sticks. He started building his beaver dam towards the bank of the river, adjacent to the small beaver's home.

    He found that the dam took shape faster than he had expected. The smaller sticks were easier to maneuver and proved to be quite robust in holding back the waters of the river.

    Soon, a beautiful dam stood strong on the river next to the small beaver's house. It was less grandiose than the giant tree stump, but it was safe, warm, and most importantly, it was his home.

    That night, a storm roared through the woodland. The river swelled and the winds howled, but the new dam stood firm. The beavers weathered the storm inside their safe homes.

    Despite the raging storm, the beavers felt warm and protected in their homes. The big beaver was blown away by how well his dam was holding up, despite being made of small sticks.

    At dawn, the storm subsided, and the giant tree stump that the big beaver had initially planned to build his home on was half-submerged in water. He realized that he had indeed made the right decision.

    He learned that the grandeur of a home does not equate to its safety and comfort. His dam was perfect, just robust enough to withstand the storm and keep him warm and safe.

    The beavers spent the next day repairing and strengthening their homes. Even though they were working independently, they were doing so side by side, each learning from the other.

    They began to realize that their individual efforts were indeed beneficial to each other. Their dams were separate, yet they enhanced the safety of each other by slowing down the river's current.

    As days turned into weeks, they developed an understanding and respect for each other's work. The big beaver admired the little beaver's persistence, and the little beaver respected the big beaver's adaptability.

    They became friends, realizing that being different doesn't mean being unimportant. Every size, every effort had its importance. The mighty tree stump fell, yet their little stick dams withstood the storm.

    The forest life buzzed around them, the river flowed, seasons changed, but their friendship remained strong, just like their dams. They had learned a valuable lesson, which was etched in their hearts forever.

    It was not about what you have that matters, but what you do with what you have. It's not the size of the sticks but the way they're used. It's not just about how tall the tree is, but how strong its roots are.

    The beavers continued their industrious lifestyle, ensuring their dams remained sturdy and their lives comfortable. They enjoyed their lives in peace and safety, appreciating the simplicity yet effectiveness of their homes.

    Even today, the beavers live by the river, inside their cozy homes. Their friendship serves as a reminder to all the woodland creatures about the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the power of small things.